During a press conference, Public Safety Councilor Ronni Krug addressed the recent fatal attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, acknowledging the unexpected nature of the incident and the challenges in preventing it. The suspect, Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, drove a rented vehicle through a designated escape and emergency access route.
Despite questions about the adequacy of security measures, Krug defended them as well-coordinated, referencing past events like the 2010 Duisburg Love Parade tragedy. The security plan had been updated in November, following a knife attack in Solingen.
Police Chief Tom-Oliver Langhans noted that the incident unfolded rapidly, with the first emergency call received at 19:02 and the suspect apprehended three minutes later. Al Abdulmohsen initially entered the area at moderate speed, accelerating significantly upon reaching Alter Markt.
The investigation into his motive continues, with dissatisfaction over Germany’s treatment of Saudi refugees cited as a possible factor. The suspect acted alone, and there is no evidence of a second perpetrator.
The death toll stands at five, including a nine-year-old child, with 200 injured, 40 critically. Prosecutors have charged Al Abdulmohsen with five counts of murder and 200 counts of attempted murder.
Source: NOS