The investigation into the Magdeburg Christmas market attack is also focusing on potential police oversights. German media report that a police car was not positioned at a previously discussed location at the market entrance.
This vehicle was supposed to act as a barrier but was found at a taxi parking spot during the attack. The Ministry of the Interior of the state of Saxony-Anhalt is currently investigating the reasons for this, according to Tagesschau.
Three other police cars were positioned correctly. In addition to examining possible police errors, the investigation is also reviewing the Christmas market’s security plan.
If errors are identified, those involved may face prosecution. Uncertainty remains over the motive On Friday evening, a car drove at high speed into the Christmas market in the German city, resulting in five deaths and over 200 injuries.
A 50-year-old man, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen from Saudi Arabia, was arrested after the incident. He moved to Germany in 2006, received a permanent residence permit in 2016, and worked as a doctor.
In 2013, he was convicted for threatening an attack during a dispute with a medical organization. On social media, he identified as an anti-Islam activist.
German authorities have not yet disclosed any potential motive, but the head of the German federal police noted that Abdulmohsen exhibited “atypical” behavior that “did not fit a pattern.” German politicians highlighted the attack in their Christmas speeches yesterday, with President Steinmeier rewriting his pre-recorded speech in response and urging Germans to unite against “hate and violence.”
Source: NOS