Germany Christmas Market Attack: Death Toll Increases

December 23, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

The death toll from the terror attack at a Christmas market in eastern Germany has risen to five, with 200 others injured. The attacker, identified as Taleh AI, drove a rented black BMW into a crowded market, causing devastation.

Details of the Attack

Taleh AI, a 50-year-old medical doctor from Saudi Arabia, has been living in Germany since 2006 and was recognised as a refugee in 2016. He worked as a psychiatrist at a correctional facility in Bernburg. Reports indicate that he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack.

Eyewitnesses told The Guardian that the BMW violently ploughed through shoppers for 400 meters (437 yards) toward the town hall. Among the five fatalities was a child, according to The UK Times. Paramedics rushed to the scene to treat the injured, with 40 individuals reportedly in critical condition. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences and stated the nation’s commitment to supporting the victims.

Reiner Haseloff, leader of Saxony-Anhalt, described the incident as “reminiscent of a war.” Local authorities have since tightened security and temporarily closed Christmas markets in nearby towns to prevent further incidents, assuring citizens of their safety.

World leaders have condemned the attack, with the United States expressing horror and French President Emmanuel Macron saying he was “deeply shocked” by the events in Magdeburg.

Profile of the Attacker

Taleh AI had a controversial past. In a 2019 interview, he labelled himself as “the most aggressive critic of Islam in history” and was known for assisting Muslim women escape Saudi Arabia after renouncing their faith. On his social media accounts, he posted inflammatory content, including an image of a Muslim woman being stoned to death and writings questioning the merits of Islam. Before the attack, he uploaded videos accusing German authorities of persecuting him, claiming they intercepted his mail and stole personal items.

Saudi authorities had reportedly informed German officials about AI’s online activities. However, Der Spiegel reported that German authorities were unaware of his Islamic background.

Stephen White, a former PSNI assistant chief constable and now a security consultant, told Sky News that the attack bore the hallmarks of a lone-wolf terrorist act. He warned against overreaction, noting that such incidents aim to provoke fear and disrupt public life, particularly during the festive season.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to uncover the motivations behind the attack and ensure the safety of public spaces. The incident has cast a shadow over holiday celebrations, but local officials remain determined to maintain normalcy while addressing security concerns.