Germany continues its search for explanations regarding potential security shortcomings after an individual drove his vehicle into a Christmas market, resulting in at least five fatalities and intensifying scrutiny on security and immigration issues ahead of an upcoming snap election.
The motive of the detained suspect, a 50-year-old psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia known for his anti-Islamic statements and affinity for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, remains unclear.
Identified only as Taleb A, the suspect had posted video messages on his social media X account on the day of the incident.
In disjointed commentary, he attributed blame to Germany’s perceived liberalism for the death of Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, and accused law enforcement of stealing a USB drive from him and disregarding a criminal complaint he had submitted.
People walk on a ‘funeral march’ and hold a flag with the German colors during a rally organized by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Approximately 3,500 individuals gathered at a rally of the anti-migrant AfD in Magdeburg’s cathedral square, where co-leader Alice Weidel called for change “so we can once again live securely.”
The crowd erupted with shouts of “deport them.”
Counter-demonstrators, estimated by police to be around 4,000, formed a human chain carrying candles to protest what they described as the political exploitation of a tragic event and the spread of hate.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser urged the adoption of stricter internal security laws, proposing a new act to bolster police forces alongside the implementation of biometric surveillance.
AfD Co-leader Alice Weidel addressing the crowd in Magdeburg.
“It is essential that we take every possible measure to protect the people of Germany from such dreadful acts of violence. Our security agencies must have all the powers and personnel necessary,” Ms. Faeser stated in an interview with Spiegel news magazine.
The deputy chair of a security committee in the Bundestag announced plans to hold a special session to investigate why prior warnings regarding the threat posed by Taleb A were overlooked.
The suspect had resided in Germany since 2006.
The assault occurred two months before a snap election in February, where the AfD is currently polling in second place and is notably popular in eastern Germany, where Magdeburg is situated.
“Let’s just say: everyone handles this situation differently; some are grieving, while others are filled with anger,” remarked Andreas Bohs, who was at the Magdeburg attack site where mourners placed flowers, candles, teddy bears, and other stuffed toys.
This evening, an initiative themed “Don’t give hate a chance” is organizing a human chain in Magdeburg.
A local hospital reported it is still treating 72 individuals injured in the attack, with 15 in critical condition.
A local hospital said it was still treating 72 injured people after a man drove his car into the market.
Previous warnings
The main opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union, which is projected to form the next government, called for enhancements to the intelligence services.
Holger Muench, president of the federal criminal police office (BKA), informed public broadcaster ZDF over the weekend that Germany is assessing security protocols at Christmas markets and addressing any weaknesses.
Mr. Muench indicated that Germany had received a warning from Saudi Arabia as early as 2023 concerning the suspect, which German authorities investigated but deemed vague.
“The individual also made numerous posts online and had various interactions with authorities, including insults and even threats. However, he was not recognized for violent actions,” said Mr. Muench.
Taha al-Hajji, a Saudi lawyer in exile and legal director for the Berlin-based European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR), mentioned that most Saudi opposition figures did not maintain a favorable relationship with the suspect.
“He believed he was the sole bearer of truth while others were wrong; he saw himself as the center of everything, considering himself significant. He consistently faced conflicts with everyone,” Mr. Al-Hajji remarked.
