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| timezone = ] | timezone = ]
| type = ] | type = ]
| weapon = ]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/21/magdeburg-mourns-christmas-market-dead |title=Magdeburg mourns Christmas market dead |last=Connolly |first=Kate |work=The Guardian |access-date=21 December 2024}}</ref> | weapon = ]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/21/magdeburg-mourns-christmas-market-dead |title=Magdeburg mourns Christmas market dead |last=Connolly |first=Kate |work=] |access-date=21 December 2024}}</ref>
| fatalities = 5 | fatalities = 5
| injuries = ≥235 | injuries = 235+
| perpetrator = | perpetrator =
| motive = Under investigation | motive = Under investigation
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}} }}


On 20 December 2024, an ] was ] at the ] in ], Germany, resulting in the deaths of 5 people and injuries to at least 235 others. The driver of the car, allegedly 50-year-old ] and ] activist ], was arrested at the scene.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Brendan Cole Senior News |date=2024-12-21 |title=Magdeburg attack suspect said Elon Musk, Alex Jones "telling truth": report |url=https://www.newsweek.com/germany-magdeburg-terrorism-musk-2004573 |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-23 |title=Magdeburg mourns Christmas market attack victims as fear of deeper social divisions builds |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/magdeburg-mourns-christmas-market-attack-victims-as-fear-of-deeper-social-divisions-builds |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=PBS News |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schaeffer |first=Carol |date=2024-12-23 |title=A Far-Right Attacker Kills 5 in a Christmas Market. The German Far Right Takes Advantage. |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/world/magdeburg-germany-christmas-market-afd/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |language=en-US |issn=0027-8378}}</ref> German authorities have described the suspect as an ].<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kottasová |first1=Ivana |last2=Sidhu |first2=Sandi |last3=Robertson |first3=Nic |date=2024-12-21 |title=Suspect in German Christmas market attack had history of troubling social media posts that grew increasingly dark |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/21/europe/suspect-germany-christmas-market-attack/index.html |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222035334/https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/21/europe/suspect-germany-christmas-market-attack/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Investigators continue to search for a motive, which remains unknown.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-23 |title=Germany Christmas market attack: what we know about the suspect |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/facts-about-suspect-german-christmas-market-attack-2024-12-21/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |work=Reuters}}</ref> On 20 December 2024, an ] was ] at the ] in ], Germany, resulting in the deaths of 5 people and injuries to at least 235 others. The driver of the car, allegedly 50-year-old ]<!-- DO NOT REMOVE, SEE TALK PAGE --> activist ], was arrested at the scene.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Brendan Cole Senior News |date=2024-12-21 |title=Magdeburg attack suspect said Elon Musk, Alex Jones "telling truth": report |url=https://www.newsweek.com/germany-magdeburg-terrorism-musk-2004573 |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-23 |title=Magdeburg mourns Christmas market attack victims as fear of deeper social divisions builds |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/magdeburg-mourns-christmas-market-attack-victims-as-fear-of-deeper-social-divisions-builds |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=PBS News |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schaeffer |first=Carol |date=2024-12-23 |title=A Far-Right Attacker Kills 5 in a Christmas Market. The German Far Right Takes Advantage. |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/world/magdeburg-germany-christmas-market-afd/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |language=en-US |issn=0027-8378}}</ref><ref name="WSJ">{{Cite web |last1=Benoit |first1=Bertrand |last2=Pancevski |first2=Bojan |date=21 December 2024 |title=Suspect in German Christmas Market Ramming Had One Main Enemy: Islam |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/suspect-in-christmas-market-ramming-had-one-main-enemy-islam-6363d708 |access-date=22 December 2024 |website=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222000209/https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/suspect-in-christmas-market-ramming-had-one-main-enemy-islam-6363d708 |url-status=live }}</ref> German authorities have described the suspect as an ].<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kottasová |first1=Ivana |last2=Sidhu |first2=Sandi |last3=Robertson |first3=Nic |date=2024-12-21 |title=Suspect in German Christmas market attack had history of troubling social media posts that grew increasingly dark |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/21/europe/suspect-germany-christmas-market-attack/index.html |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222035334/https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/21/europe/suspect-germany-christmas-market-attack/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Investigators continue to search for a motive, which remains unknown.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-23 |title=Germany Christmas market attack: what we know about the suspect |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/facts-about-suspect-german-christmas-market-attack-2024-12-21/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |work=Reuters}}</ref>


==Background== ==Background==
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According to information from the ] of ], ] (]), the Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister {{ill|Tamara Zieschang|de}} (CDU), as well as '']'' and '']'', the suspect was named as "Taleb A." due to German privacy laws.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |last1=Al Yahyai |first1=Oman |last2=Associated Press |title=Who is Taleb A., the suspect behind the Magdeburg Christmas market attack? |url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/21/who-is-the-suspect-behind-magdeburg-christmas-market-attack |website=euronews.com |access-date=23 December 2024 |date=21 December 2024 |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221142157/https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/21/who-is-the-suspect-behind-magdeburg-christmas-market-attack |url-status=live }}</ref> Details released by authorities led foreign media outlets to identify Taleb A. as ], a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who lives in ] and worked as a ] and ] in a correctional facility in a clinic in Bernburg. He was described by German authorities as "]".<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=21 December 2024 |title=Suspect behind German Christmas market attack 'Islamophobic', authorities say |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20241221-suspect-behind-german-christmas-market-attack-islamophobic-authorities-say |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221141857/https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20241221-suspect-behind-german-christmas-market-attack-islamophobic-authorities-say |url-status=live }}</ref> The suspect immigrated to Germany in March 2006, was recognized as a refugee in July 2016 and has a settlement permit and thus a residence permit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anschlag auf Weihnachtsmarkt Magdeburg – Auto rast in Menschenmenge, zwei Tote bestätigt |url=https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen-anhalt/magdeburg/magdeburg/liveticker-anschlag-weihnachtsmarkt-magdeburg-100.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=MDR.DE |language=de |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222011208/https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen-anhalt/magdeburg/magdeburg/liveticker-anschlag-weihnachtsmarkt-magdeburg-100.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Suspect arrested, German broadcaster reports |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c1j08p44w9kt?post=asset%3Acd71ce03-490f-4b28-b835-27a6c5e0773b#post |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=BBC News |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221014813/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c1j08p44w9kt?post=asset:cd71ce03-490f-4b28-b835-27a6c5e0773b#post |url-status=live }}</ref> According to information from the ] of ], ] (]), the Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister {{ill|Tamara Zieschang|de}} (CDU), as well as '']'' and '']'', the suspect was named as "Taleb A." due to German privacy laws.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |last1=Al Yahyai |first1=Oman |last2=Associated Press |title=Who is Taleb A., the suspect behind the Magdeburg Christmas market attack? |url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/21/who-is-the-suspect-behind-magdeburg-christmas-market-attack |website=euronews.com |access-date=23 December 2024 |date=21 December 2024 |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221142157/https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/21/who-is-the-suspect-behind-magdeburg-christmas-market-attack |url-status=live }}</ref> Details released by authorities led foreign media outlets to identify Taleb A. as ], a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who lives in ] and worked as a ] and ] in a correctional facility in a clinic in Bernburg. He was described by German authorities as "]".<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=21 December 2024 |title=Suspect behind German Christmas market attack 'Islamophobic', authorities say |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20241221-suspect-behind-german-christmas-market-attack-islamophobic-authorities-say |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221141857/https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20241221-suspect-behind-german-christmas-market-attack-islamophobic-authorities-say |url-status=live }}</ref> The suspect immigrated to Germany in March 2006, was recognized as a refugee in July 2016 and has a settlement permit and thus a residence permit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anschlag auf Weihnachtsmarkt Magdeburg – Auto rast in Menschenmenge, zwei Tote bestätigt |url=https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen-anhalt/magdeburg/magdeburg/liveticker-anschlag-weihnachtsmarkt-magdeburg-100.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=MDR.DE |language=de |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222011208/https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen-anhalt/magdeburg/magdeburg/liveticker-anschlag-weihnachtsmarkt-magdeburg-100.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Suspect arrested, German broadcaster reports |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c1j08p44w9kt?post=asset%3Acd71ce03-490f-4b28-b835-27a6c5e0773b#post |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=BBC News |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221014813/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c1j08p44w9kt?post=asset:cd71ce03-490f-4b28-b835-27a6c5e0773b#post |url-status=live }}</ref>


According to '']'', Abdulmohsen is wanted by Saudi Arabia on charges related to ] and ] of people from Saudi Arabia and ] to the European Union. Despite Saudi Arabia's ] request, Germany granted him ] in 2016, citing concerns over his safety and rights if he were returned to Saudi Arabia. The ] refused to extradite him, citing a lack of ] in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=Ex-Muslim, doctor, pro-far right: Many shades of man behind Germany market attack |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/story/germany-christmas-market-attack-magdeburg-taleb-a-arrested-saudi-doctor-asylum-2653206-2024-12-21 |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=] |language=en }}</ref> The Saudi Arabian government warned German security authorities about Abdulmohsen three times between November 2023 and September 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Brüggemann |first1=Thore |last2=Heise |first2=Thomas |last3=Khan |first3=Miriam |last4=Kistler |first4=Florian |last5=Lehberger |first5=Roman |last6=Petter |first6=Jan |last7=Pütz |first7=Florian |last8=Röbel |first8=Sven |last9=Schmitt |first9=Alexander |date=21 December 2024 |title=Magdeburg – News: Saudi-Arabien soll deutsche Sicherheitsbehörden dreimal vor Taleb A. gewarnt haben |url=https://www.tickaroo.com/e/FCmJFw8aXwprOdiW |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last1=Benoit |first1=Bertrand |last2=Pancevski |first2=Bojan |date=21 December 2024 |title=Suspect in German Christmas Market Ramming Had One Main Enemy: Islam |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/suspect-in-christmas-market-ramming-had-one-main-enemy-islam-6363d708 |access-date=22 December 2024 |website=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222000209/https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/suspect-in-christmas-market-ramming-had-one-main-enemy-islam-6363d708 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Saudis say warnings about market attack suspect were ignored |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98l95d1773o |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223001823/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98l95d1773o |url-status=live }}</ref> Saudi officials said he was dangerous and a potential threat to Saudi diplomats. Germany dismissed the warning, viewing it as targeting against a dissident who said he had ] which is a ].<ref name=":1" /> According to '']'', Abdulmohsen is wanted by Saudi Arabia on charges related to ] and ] of people from Saudi Arabia and ] to the European Union. Despite Saudi Arabia's ] request, Germany granted him ] in 2016, citing concerns over his safety and rights if he were returned to Saudi Arabia. The ] refused to extradite him, citing a lack of ] in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=Ex-Muslim, doctor, pro-far right: Many shades of man behind Germany market attack |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/story/germany-christmas-market-attack-magdeburg-taleb-a-arrested-saudi-doctor-asylum-2653206-2024-12-21 |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=] |language=en }}</ref> The Saudi Arabian government warned German security authorities about Abdulmohsen three times between November 2023 and September 2024.<ref name="WSJ"/><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Brüggemann |first1=Thore |last2=Heise |first2=Thomas |last3=Khan |first3=Miriam |last4=Kistler |first4=Florian |last5=Lehberger |first5=Roman |last6=Petter |first6=Jan |last7=Pütz |first7=Florian |last8=Röbel |first8=Sven |last9=Schmitt |first9=Alexander |date=21 December 2024 |title=Magdeburg – News: Saudi-Arabien soll deutsche Sicherheitsbehörden dreimal vor Taleb A. gewarnt haben |url=https://www.tickaroo.com/e/FCmJFw8aXwprOdiW |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Saudis say warnings about market attack suspect were ignored |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98l95d1773o |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223001823/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98l95d1773o |url-status=live }}</ref> Saudi officials said he was dangerous and a potential threat to Saudi diplomats. Germany dismissed the warning, viewing it as targeting against a dissident who said he had ] which is a ].<ref name="WSJ" />


In the media, Abdulmohsen has been described as an ] opposed to ] and Muslims.<ref name="DIE WELT">{{Cite web |title=Anschlag auf Weihnachtsmarkt: Arzt, Islamgegner, seit 2006 in Deutschland – Das wissen wir über den Attentäter von Magdeburg – WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article254939378/Anschlag-auf-Weihnachtsmarkt-Arzt-Islamgegner-seit-2006-in-Deutschland-Das-wissen-wir-ueber-den-Attentaeter-von-Magdeburg.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=DIE WELT |language=de |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221041328/https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article254939378/Anschlag-auf-Weihnachtsmarkt-Arzt-Islamgegner-seit-2006-in-Deutschland-Das-wissen-wir-ueber-den-Attentaeter-von-Magdeburg.html |url-status=live }}</ref> That same year, ''Der Spiegel'' reported that he used his web forum ''wearesaudis.net'' and ] to help other Saudis escape to Germany.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Röhlig |first1=Marc |last2=Rothe |first2=Yannick von Eisenhart |date=13 February 2019 |title=Saudi-Arabien: Männer überwachen Frauen mit "App – die diese nun nutzen, um zu fliehen |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/saudi-arabien-maenner-ueberwachen-frauen-mit-app-die-diese-nun-nutzen-um-zu-fliehen-a-01c66b12-459a-4e88-8469-f288b9148b98 |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221005652/https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/saudi-arabien-maenner-ueberwachen-frauen-mit-app-die-diese-nun-nutzen-um-zu-fliehen-a-01c66b12-459a-4e88-8469-f288b9148b98 |url-status=live }}</ref> Abdulmohsen's X account was focused on anti-Islam themes and ] and he congratulated Muslims who left the religion. He also described himself as a former Muslim and criticized German authorities for failing to combat the "Islamism of Europe" and supported the ]. He was described as an activist who helped Saudi women flee their homeland and he appeared to be focused on his theory that "German authorities have been targeting Saudi asylum seekers."<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> In the media, Abdulmohsen has been described as an ] opposed to ] and Muslims.<ref name="DIE WELT">{{Cite web |title=Anschlag auf Weihnachtsmarkt: Arzt, Islamgegner, seit 2006 in Deutschland – Das wissen wir über den Attentäter von Magdeburg – WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article254939378/Anschlag-auf-Weihnachtsmarkt-Arzt-Islamgegner-seit-2006-in-Deutschland-Das-wissen-wir-ueber-den-Attentaeter-von-Magdeburg.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=DIE WELT |language=de |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221041328/https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article254939378/Anschlag-auf-Weihnachtsmarkt-Arzt-Islamgegner-seit-2006-in-Deutschland-Das-wissen-wir-ueber-den-Attentaeter-von-Magdeburg.html |url-status=live }}</ref> That same year, ''Der Spiegel'' reported that he used his web forum ''wearesaudis.net'' and ] to help other Saudis escape to Germany.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Röhlig |first1=Marc |last2=Rothe |first2=Yannick von Eisenhart |date=13 February 2019 |title=Saudi-Arabien: Männer überwachen Frauen mit "App – die diese nun nutzen, um zu fliehen |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/saudi-arabien-maenner-ueberwachen-frauen-mit-app-die-diese-nun-nutzen-um-zu-fliehen-a-01c66b12-459a-4e88-8469-f288b9148b98 |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221005652/https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/saudi-arabien-maenner-ueberwachen-frauen-mit-app-die-diese-nun-nutzen-um-zu-fliehen-a-01c66b12-459a-4e88-8469-f288b9148b98 |url-status=live }}</ref> Abdulmohsen's X account was focused on anti-Islam themes and ] and he congratulated Muslims who left the religion. He also described himself as a former Muslim and criticized German authorities for failing to combat the "Islamism of Europe" and supported the ]. He was described as an activist who helped Saudi women flee their homeland and he appeared to be focused on his theory that "German authorities have been targeting Saudi asylum seekers."<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />


Abdulmohsen appeared on the ] showcasing his website intended to help asylum-seeking ], "especially from Saudi Arabia and the ]".<ref>{{Cite news |title=How one website helps hundreds seek asylum |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-48881737 |work=BBC News |access-date=21 December 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221004916/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-48881737 |url-status=live }}</ref> Abdulmohsen shared ] content on the Internet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=Report: German Xmas market attacker is Saudi anti-Islamist who shared pro-Israel content |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-german-xmas-market-attacker-is-saudi-anti-islamist-who-shared-pro-israel-content/ |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221100918/https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-german-xmas-market-attacker-is-saudi-anti-islamist-who-shared-pro-israel-content/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last1=Sidhu |first1=Sandi |last2=Kottasová |first2=Ivana |last3=Robertson |first3=Nic |date=22 December 2024 |title=Suspect in German Christmas market attack had history of troubling social media posts that grew increasingly dark |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/21/europe/suspect-germany-christmas-market-attack/index.html |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=CNN |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221220408/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/21/europe/suspect-germany-christmas-market-attack/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In a 2019 interview with '']'', he stated that he spent 10 to 16 hours per day assisting apostates from the Middle East to claim asylum in Western countries.<ref name=":1" /> In a 45-minute video interview that appeared on an anti-Islam United States blog of the ]<ref name="RAIR Foundation 2024">{{cite web |access-date=21 December 2024 |author=RAIR Foundation |date=15 December 2024 |language=en-US |title=Update: Interview With Saudi Psychiatrist Suspected of Driving Into German Christmas Market (Video) |url=https://rairfoundation.com/saudi-psychiatrist-exposes-germanys-active-operation-welcoming-jihadis/ |website=rairfoundation.com |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220235548/https://rairfoundation.com/saudi-psychiatrist-exposes-germanys-active-operation-welcoming-jihadis/ |url-status=live }}<!-- auto-translated from German by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> eight days before the attack, Abdulmohsen stated that the German state is conducting a "covert secret operation" to "hunt and destroy the lives" of Saudi ex-Muslims around the world, but at the same time Syrian jihadists are receiving asylum in Germany.<ref name="RAIR Foundation 2024" /><ref name="Bahlmann 2024">{{Cite news |last1=Bahlmann |first1=Henrik |last2=Höfner |first2=Roman |last3=Janevska |first3=Aleksandra |last4=Kiran |first4=Ayla |last5=Lehberger |first5=Roman |last6=Maxwill |first6=Peter |last7=Milatz |first7=Marvin |last8=Müller |first8=Ann-Katrin |last9=Ruhnow |first9=Evelin |date=20 December 2024 |title=Magdeburg – News: Autofahrer fährt in Menschenmenge – Behörden gehen von Anschlag aus |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/magdeburg-news-autofahrer-faehrt-in-menschenmenge-behoerden-gehen-von-anschlag-aus-a-58a3c255-9a4b-45a8-8e65-8ceac63477cd |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222001616/https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/magdeburg-news-autofahrer-faehrt-in-menschenmenge-behoerden-gehen-von-anschlag-aus-a-58a3c255-9a4b-45a8-8e65-8ceac63477cd |url-status=live }}</ref> In the same interview, he said that he was not a right-winger, but a leftist, but at the same time explained that as a leftist he had come to the conclusion that the left were the "worst criminals on the planet".<ref name=":72">{{cite web |date=15 December 2024 |title=Update: Interview With Saudi Psychiatrist Suspected of Driving Into German Christmas Market (Video) |url=https://rairfoundation.com/saudi-psychiatrist-exposes-germanys-active-operation-welcoming-jihadis/ |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=rairfoundation.com |language=en-US}}<!-- auto-translated from German by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref name="RAIR Foundation 2024" /> On Twitter, Abdulmohsen posted a machine gun with a US flag as a profile picture and conspiracy theories such as "]."<ref name="DIE WELT"/><ref>{{Cite news |title=Saudischer Islamkritiker, Fan von AfD und Elon Musk: Verstörende Details zum Täter von Magdeburg |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/saudischer-islamkritiker-fan-von-afd-und-elon-musk-verstorende-details-zum-tater-von-magdeburg-12915310.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Der Tagesspiegel |language=de-DE |issn=1865-2263 |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221102052/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/saudischer-islamkritiker-fan-von-afd-und-elon-musk-verstorende-details-zum-tater-von-magdeburg-12915310.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Abdulmohsen also shared similar ] content, including content from German politician ] (]),<ref>{{Cite web |title=+++ 01:35 Veranstalter reagieren: Weihnachtsmärkte in Sachsen-Anhalt schließen frühzeitig +++ |url=https://www.n-tv.de/politik/01-35-Veranstalter-reagieren-Weihnachtsmaerkte-in-Sachsen-Anhalt-schliessen-fruehzeitig--article25447723.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=n-tv.de |language=de }}</ref> ] and ].<ref name="Bahlmann 2024" /> Abdulmohsen appeared on the ] showcasing his website intended to help asylum-seeking ], "especially from Saudi Arabia and the ]".<ref>{{Cite news |title=How one website helps hundreds seek asylum |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-48881737 |work=BBC News |access-date=21 December 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221004916/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-48881737 |url-status=live }}</ref> Abdulmohsen shared ] content on the Internet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=Report: German Xmas market attacker is Saudi anti-Islamist who shared pro-Israel content |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-german-xmas-market-attacker-is-saudi-anti-islamist-who-shared-pro-israel-content/ |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221100918/https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-german-xmas-market-attacker-is-saudi-anti-islamist-who-shared-pro-israel-content/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last1=Sidhu |first1=Sandi |last2=Kottasová |first2=Ivana |last3=Robertson |first3=Nic |date=22 December 2024 |title=Suspect in German Christmas market attack had history of troubling social media posts that grew increasingly dark |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/21/europe/suspect-germany-christmas-market-attack/index.html |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=CNN |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221220408/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/21/europe/suspect-germany-christmas-market-attack/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In a 2019 interview with '']'', he stated that he spent 10 to 16 hours per day assisting apostates from the Middle East to claim asylum in Western countries.<ref name="WSJ" /> In a 45-minute video interview that appeared on an anti-Islam United States blog of the ]<ref name="RAIR Foundation 2024">{{cite web |access-date=21 December 2024 |author=RAIR Foundation |date=15 December 2024 |language=en-US |title=Update: Interview With Saudi Psychiatrist Suspected of Driving Into German Christmas Market (Video) |url=https://rairfoundation.com/saudi-psychiatrist-exposes-germanys-active-operation-welcoming-jihadis/ |website=rairfoundation.com |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220235548/https://rairfoundation.com/saudi-psychiatrist-exposes-germanys-active-operation-welcoming-jihadis/ |url-status=live }}<!-- auto-translated from German by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> eight days before the attack, Abdulmohsen stated that the German state is conducting a "covert secret operation" to "hunt and destroy the lives" of Saudi ex-Muslims around the world, but at the same time Syrian jihadists are receiving asylum in Germany.<ref name="RAIR Foundation 2024" /><ref name="Bahlmann 2024">{{Cite news |last1=Bahlmann |first1=Henrik |last2=Höfner |first2=Roman |last3=Janevska |first3=Aleksandra |last4=Kiran |first4=Ayla |last5=Lehberger |first5=Roman |last6=Maxwill |first6=Peter |last7=Milatz |first7=Marvin |last8=Müller |first8=Ann-Katrin |last9=Ruhnow |first9=Evelin |date=20 December 2024 |title=Magdeburg – News: Autofahrer fährt in Menschenmenge – Behörden gehen von Anschlag aus |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/magdeburg-news-autofahrer-faehrt-in-menschenmenge-behoerden-gehen-von-anschlag-aus-a-58a3c255-9a4b-45a8-8e65-8ceac63477cd |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222001616/https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/magdeburg-news-autofahrer-faehrt-in-menschenmenge-behoerden-gehen-von-anschlag-aus-a-58a3c255-9a4b-45a8-8e65-8ceac63477cd |url-status=live }}</ref> In the same interview, he said that he was not a right-winger, but a leftist, but at the same time explained that as a leftist he had come to the conclusion that the left were the "worst criminals on the planet".<ref name=":72">{{cite web |date=15 December 2024 |title=Update: Interview With Saudi Psychiatrist Suspected of Driving Into German Christmas Market (Video) |url=https://rairfoundation.com/saudi-psychiatrist-exposes-germanys-active-operation-welcoming-jihadis/ |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=rairfoundation.com |language=en-US |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220235548/https://rairfoundation.com/saudi-psychiatrist-exposes-germanys-active-operation-welcoming-jihadis/ |url-status=live }}<!-- auto-translated from German by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref name="RAIR Foundation 2024" /> On Twitter, Abdulmohsen posted a machine gun with a US flag as a profile picture and conspiracy theories such as "]."<ref name="DIE WELT"/><ref>{{Cite news |title=Saudischer Islamkritiker, Fan von AfD und Elon Musk: Verstörende Details zum Täter von Magdeburg |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/saudischer-islamkritiker-fan-von-afd-und-elon-musk-verstorende-details-zum-tater-von-magdeburg-12915310.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Der Tagesspiegel |language=de-DE |issn=1865-2263 |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221102052/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/saudischer-islamkritiker-fan-von-afd-und-elon-musk-verstorende-details-zum-tater-von-magdeburg-12915310.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Abdulmohsen also shared similar ] content, including content from ], ]<ref name="Bahlmann 2024" /> and ] politician ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=+++ 01:35 Veranstalter reagieren: Weihnachtsmärkte in Sachsen-Anhalt schließen frühzeitig +++ |url=https://www.n-tv.de/politik/01-35-Veranstalter-reagieren-Weihnachtsmaerkte-in-Sachsen-Anhalt-schliessen-fruehzeitig--article25447723.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=n-tv.de |language=de }}</ref>


In May 2024, Abdulmohsen wrote, "I seriously expect to die this year. The reason: I will ensure justice at any cost. And the German authorities are hindering any peaceful path to justice." A few minutes before the attack, he posted more videos. In one of them, Abdulmohsen said, "The police themselves are the criminals. In this case, I hold the German nation, I hold the German citizens responsible for what is in store for me."<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Jan |last1=Sternberg |first2=Felix |last2=Huesmann |first3=Markus |last3=Decker |date=21 December 2024 |title=Magdeburg nach Todesfahrt: Verdächtiger offenbar Islamfeind – Rätsel um Motiv |url=https://www.rnd.de/politik/magdeburg-nach-todesfahrt-verdaechtiger-offenbar-islamfeind-raetsel-um-motiv-QTWFZG7PIZDNDOSM2NGGY2D33I.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=rnd.de |language=de |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221130424/https://www.rnd.de/politik/magdeburg-nach-todesfahrt-verdaechtiger-offenbar-islamfeind-raetsel-um-motiv-QTWFZG7PIZDNDOSM2NGGY2D33I.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In another video before the attack, Abdulmohsen said, "Another reason why I hold German citizens responsible for the persecution I experience in Germany is the story of a ] stick stolen from my mailbox."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anschlag in Magdeburg: "Keine konkrete Gefahr" – BKA und LKA erstellten 2023 Gefährdungsbeurteilung von Tatverdächtigem – WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article254939378/Anschlag-in-Magdeburg-Keine-konkrete-Gefahr-BKA-und-LKA-erstellten-2023-Gefaehrdungsbeurteilung-von-Tatverdaechtigem.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=DIE WELT |language=de |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221193301/https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article254939378/Anschlag-in-Magdeburg-Keine-konkrete-Gefahr-BKA-und-LKA-erstellten-2023-Gefaehrdungsbeurteilung-von-Tatverdaechtigem.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2024, Abdulmohsen wrote, "I seriously expect to die this year. The reason: I will ensure justice at any cost. And the German authorities are hindering any peaceful path to justice." A few minutes before the attack, he posted more videos. In one of them, Abdulmohsen said, "The police themselves are the criminals. In this case, I hold the German nation, I hold the German citizens responsible for what is in store for me."<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Jan |last1=Sternberg |first2=Felix |last2=Huesmann |first3=Markus |last3=Decker |date=21 December 2024 |title=Magdeburg nach Todesfahrt: Verdächtiger offenbar Islamfeind – Rätsel um Motiv |url=https://www.rnd.de/politik/magdeburg-nach-todesfahrt-verdaechtiger-offenbar-islamfeind-raetsel-um-motiv-QTWFZG7PIZDNDOSM2NGGY2D33I.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=rnd.de |language=de |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221130424/https://www.rnd.de/politik/magdeburg-nach-todesfahrt-verdaechtiger-offenbar-islamfeind-raetsel-um-motiv-QTWFZG7PIZDNDOSM2NGGY2D33I.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In another video before the attack, Abdulmohsen said, "Another reason why I hold German citizens responsible for the persecution I experience in Germany is the story of a ] stick stolen from my mailbox."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anschlag in Magdeburg: "Keine konkrete Gefahr" – BKA und LKA erstellten 2023 Gefährdungsbeurteilung von Tatverdächtigem – WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article254939378/Anschlag-in-Magdeburg-Keine-konkrete-Gefahr-BKA-und-LKA-erstellten-2023-Gefaehrdungsbeurteilung-von-Tatverdaechtigem.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=DIE WELT |language=de |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221193301/https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article254939378/Anschlag-in-Magdeburg-Keine-konkrete-Gefahr-BKA-und-LKA-erstellten-2023-Gefaehrdungsbeurteilung-von-Tatverdaechtigem.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
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=== Misinformation === === Misinformation ===
According to ], following the attack, various domestic and foreign actors started spreading false information on social media. They said that before the first official statement by authorities was made, Austrian far-right activist ] said that the alleged perpetrator was Syrian. They said that other&nbsp;sources said that the perpetrator had come to Germany as a Syrian refugee during the ]. They said that Sellner and other activists greatly exaggerated the number of victims and said that there were 5 perpetrators of the attack instead of 1 and that 11 people were killed instead of 2. They said that sources distributed video footage of Syrians celebrating the ] in Germany and said that they showed Syrians celebrating the attack. Federal President ] was accused of saying a quote: "one should not expose the person who committed the crime ... but listen to the reasons calmly and patiently"; and tagesschau said it was later established that he never said it. They said Anti-Israel activists spread false reports that the attack was a false flag operation carried out by the ] to boost Western support for Israel. They also said Turkish nationalists claimed that Kurdish militias carried out the attack in retaliation for Germany's alleged support for Turkey in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2024 |title=Rechtsextreme Desinformation über Anschlag |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/faktenfinder/magdeburg-anschlag-102.html |website=dw.com}}</ref> According to ], following the attack, various domestic and foreign actors started spreading false information on social media. They said that before the first official statement by authorities was made, Austrian far-right activist ] said that the alleged perpetrator was Syrian. They said that other&nbsp;sources said that the perpetrator had come to Germany as a Syrian refugee during the ]. They said that Sellner and other activists greatly exaggerated the number of victims and said that there were 5 perpetrators of the attack instead of 1 and that 11 people were killed instead of 2. They said that sources distributed video footage of Syrians celebrating the ] in Germany and said that they showed Syrians celebrating the attack. Federal President ] was accused of saying a quote: "one should not expose the person who committed the crime ... but listen to the reasons calmly and patiently"; and tagesschau said it was later established that he never said it. They said Anti-Israel activists spread false reports that the attack was a false flag operation carried out by the ] to boost Western support for Israel. They also said Turkish nationalists claimed that Kurdish militias carried out the attack in retaliation for Germany's alleged support for Turkey in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2024 |title=Rechtsextreme Desinformation über Anschlag |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/faktenfinder/magdeburg-anschlag-102.html |website=dw.com |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223195825/https://www.tagesschau.de/faktenfinder/magdeburg-anschlag-102.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


According to '']'', on social media, various accounts said that suspect behind the attack was shouting "]" as he was being arrested by police. ''Deutsche Welle'' say that their analysis of the video recording of the suspect's arrest, together with an Arabic-speaking journalist proved that these words are not heard anywhere in the video.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2024 |title=Faktencheck: Magdeburg-Attentäter rief nicht "Allahu Akbar" |website=] |url=https://www.dw.com/de/faktencheck-nein-der-magdeburg-attent%C3%A4ter-rief-nicht-allahu-akbar/a-71144686}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-24 |title=Germany’s Far-Right AfD Is Nobody’s Savior |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-12-24/germany-s-far-right-afd-is-nobody-s-savior?srnd=opinion&embedded-checkout=true |access-date=2024-12-24 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> After the suspect's anti-Islam activism and support for ] had been reported, Musk and other ] users said the suspect's activism was a scam to avoid being deported.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=‘Taqiyya' goes viral: Ex-Muslim Magdeburg market attacker sparks debate |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/trending/taqiyya-goes-viral-ex-muslim-magdeburg-market-attacker-sparks-debate |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref> According to '']'', on social media, various accounts said that suspect behind the attack was shouting "]" as he was being arrested by police. ''Deutsche Welle'' say that their analysis of the video recording of the suspect's arrest, together with an Arabic-speaking journalist proved that these words are not heard anywhere in the video.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2024 |title=Faktencheck: Magdeburg-Attentäter rief nicht "Allahu Akbar" |website=] |url=https://www.dw.com/de/faktencheck-nein-der-magdeburg-attent%C3%A4ter-rief-nicht-allahu-akbar/a-71144686 |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223210806/https://www.dw.com/de/faktencheck-nein-der-magdeburg-attent%C3%A4ter-rief-nicht-allahu-akbar/a-71144686 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-24 |title=Germany's Far-Right AfD Is Nobody's Savior |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-12-24/germany-s-far-right-afd-is-nobody-s-savior?srnd=opinion&embedded-checkout=true |access-date=2024-12-24 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> After the suspect's anti-Islam activism and support for ] had been reported, ] and other ] users said the suspect's activism was a scam to avoid being deported.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title='Taqiyya' goes viral: Ex-Muslim Magdeburg market attacker sparks debate |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/trending/taqiyya-goes-viral-ex-muslim-magdeburg-market-attacker-sparks-debate |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref>


=== Protests === === Protests ===
Line 109: Line 109:
Condolences were expressed by the leaders of Denmark,<ref>{{Cite web |title=H.M. Kongen sender kondolence til Tysklands Forbundspræsident, H.E. Frank-Walter Steinmeier |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/h-m-kongen-sender-kondolence-til-tysklands-forbundspraesident-h-e-frank-walter-steinmeier |access-date=22 December 2024 |website=kongehuset.dk |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221224833/https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/h-m-kongen-sender-kondolence-til-tysklands-forbundspraesident-h-e-frank-walter-steinmeier |url-status=live }}</ref> the United Kingdom,<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 December 2024 |title=Germany car crash: Death count rises to 5, condolences from world leaders pour in |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/germany-car-crash-death-count-emmanuel-macron-to-keir-starmer-condolences-from-world-leaders-pour-in-2024-12-21-967352 |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=India TV |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221132240/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/germany-car-crash-death-count-emmanuel-macron-to-keir-starmer-condolences-from-world-leaders-pour-in-2024-12-21-967352 |url-status=live }}</ref> France,<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2024 |title=Allemagne : une voiture fonce sur un marché de Noël, au moins deux morts et des dizaines de blessés |trans-title=Germany: A car speeds into a market on Christmas, at least two dead and dozens injured |url=https://www.france24.com/fr/europe/20241220-allemagne-une-voiture-fonce-sur-un-march%C3%A9-de-no%C3%ABl-et-fait-au-moins-des-dizaines-de-bless%C3%A9s |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=France 24 |language=fr }}</ref> Italy,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=President Meloni's statement on Magdeburg Christmas market attack |url=https://www.governo.it/it/node/27343 |access-date=20 December 2024 |website=governo.it |language=it }}</ref> Hungary,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=Dramatyczne wieści z Niemiec po zamachu. "Kiedy to szaleństwo się skończy?" |url=https://www.wprost.pl/swiat/11893926/magdeburg-zamach-na-jarmarku-swiatecznym-najnowsze-informacje.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |website=Wprost |language=pl |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221015302/https://www.wprost.pl/swiat/11893926/magdeburg-zamach-na-jarmarku-swiatecznym-najnowsze-informacje.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Spain,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=Sánchez traslada a Scholz su solidaridad por el atropello en un mercado de Navidad alemán |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20241220/10228992/sanchez-traslada-scholz-solidaridad-atropello-mercado-navidad-aleman-agenciaslv20241220.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |website=La Vanguardia |language=es |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220225745/https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20241220/10228992/sanchez-traslada-scholz-solidaridad-atropello-mercado-navidad-aleman-agenciaslv20241220.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Turkey,<ref>{{cite news |title=President Erdogan condemns attack on Christmas market in Germany |url=https://www.turkiyetoday.com/turkiye/president-erdogan-condemns-attack-on-christmas-market-in-germany-95773/ |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=Turkiye Today |date=21 December 2024 }}</ref> Iran,<ref>{{cite news |title=محکومیت اقدام خشونت‌آمیز در آلمان |url=https://mfa.gov.ir/portal/newsview/758422 |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=وزارت امور خارجه جمهوری اسلامی ایران |date=21 December 2024 }}</ref> Poland,<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2024 |title=Zamach w Magdeburgu. Prezydent Andrzej Duda zabrał głos |url=https://wiadomosci.wp.pl/zamach-w-magdeburgu-prezydent-andrzej-duda-zabral-glos-7105459582900960a |access-date=20 December 2024 |website=wiadomosci.wp.pl |language=pl |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221014111/https://wiadomosci.wp.pl/zamach-w-magdeburgu-prezydent-andrzej-duda-zabral-glos-7105459582900960a |url-status=live }}</ref> the Netherlands,<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=Dutch leaders respond to Magdeburg Christmas market attack |url=https://nltimes.nl/2024/12/21/dutch-leaders-respond-magdeburg-christmas-market-attack |website=NL Times }}</ref> and India,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Sangal |first1=Aditi |last2=Hammond |first2=Elise |date=20 December 2024 |title=December 20, 2024, At least 2 dead and dozens injured in attack on German Christmas market, authorities say |url=https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/magdeburg-germany-christmas-market-deaths-12-20-24/index.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=CNN |language=en |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220224216/https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/magdeburg-germany-christmas-market-deaths-12-20-24/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as by the Secretary-General of ], ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=European leaders offer condolences after deadly car attack in Germany |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/european-leaders-offer-condolences-after-deadly-car-attack-in-germany/3430636 |website=aa.com }}</ref> ] president ] also sent condolences to Germany.<ref name="CBS News 2024">{{Cite news |date=21 December 2024 |title=Car slams into crowd at Christmas market in Germany; at least 5 killed, 200 injured, officials say |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/christmas-market-germany-car-dead-injured-magdeburg/ |work=] |archive-date=21 December 2024 |access-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221055804/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/christmas-market-germany-car-dead-injured-magdeburg/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Insane' Magdeburg Christmas market attack turns heat on Germany's politicians |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/insane-magdeburg-christmas-market-attack-germany-politicians-islamophobia-far-right/ |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=Politico Europe }}</ref> ], the prime minister of Hungary, vowed to "fight back" against open border policies after stating that there is a connection behind immigration to western Europe and terrorist attacks.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=Hungary's Orbán blames immigration and EU for the deadly attack in Germany |url=https://apnews.com/article/hungary-orban-germany-attack-immigration-eu-ac53625a8bec49ddce7b62c615ad4594 |work=] |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221170740/https://apnews.com/article/hungary-orban-germany-attack-immigration-eu-ac53625a8bec49ddce7b62c615ad4594 |url-status=live }}</ref> Orbán also accused EU leaders of wanting "Magdeburg to happen to Hungary too."<ref name=":7" /> Condolences were expressed by the leaders of Denmark,<ref>{{Cite web |title=H.M. Kongen sender kondolence til Tysklands Forbundspræsident, H.E. Frank-Walter Steinmeier |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/h-m-kongen-sender-kondolence-til-tysklands-forbundspraesident-h-e-frank-walter-steinmeier |access-date=22 December 2024 |website=kongehuset.dk |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221224833/https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/h-m-kongen-sender-kondolence-til-tysklands-forbundspraesident-h-e-frank-walter-steinmeier |url-status=live }}</ref> the United Kingdom,<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 December 2024 |title=Germany car crash: Death count rises to 5, condolences from world leaders pour in |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/germany-car-crash-death-count-emmanuel-macron-to-keir-starmer-condolences-from-world-leaders-pour-in-2024-12-21-967352 |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=India TV |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221132240/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/germany-car-crash-death-count-emmanuel-macron-to-keir-starmer-condolences-from-world-leaders-pour-in-2024-12-21-967352 |url-status=live }}</ref> France,<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2024 |title=Allemagne : une voiture fonce sur un marché de Noël, au moins deux morts et des dizaines de blessés |trans-title=Germany: A car speeds into a market on Christmas, at least two dead and dozens injured |url=https://www.france24.com/fr/europe/20241220-allemagne-une-voiture-fonce-sur-un-march%C3%A9-de-no%C3%ABl-et-fait-au-moins-des-dizaines-de-bless%C3%A9s |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=France 24 |language=fr }}</ref> Italy,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=President Meloni's statement on Magdeburg Christmas market attack |url=https://www.governo.it/it/node/27343 |access-date=20 December 2024 |website=governo.it |language=it }}</ref> Hungary,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=Dramatyczne wieści z Niemiec po zamachu. "Kiedy to szaleństwo się skończy?" |url=https://www.wprost.pl/swiat/11893926/magdeburg-zamach-na-jarmarku-swiatecznym-najnowsze-informacje.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |website=Wprost |language=pl |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221015302/https://www.wprost.pl/swiat/11893926/magdeburg-zamach-na-jarmarku-swiatecznym-najnowsze-informacje.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Spain,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=Sánchez traslada a Scholz su solidaridad por el atropello en un mercado de Navidad alemán |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20241220/10228992/sanchez-traslada-scholz-solidaridad-atropello-mercado-navidad-aleman-agenciaslv20241220.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |website=La Vanguardia |language=es |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220225745/https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20241220/10228992/sanchez-traslada-scholz-solidaridad-atropello-mercado-navidad-aleman-agenciaslv20241220.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Turkey,<ref>{{cite news |title=President Erdogan condemns attack on Christmas market in Germany |url=https://www.turkiyetoday.com/turkiye/president-erdogan-condemns-attack-on-christmas-market-in-germany-95773/ |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=Turkiye Today |date=21 December 2024 }}</ref> Iran,<ref>{{cite news |title=محکومیت اقدام خشونت‌آمیز در آلمان |url=https://mfa.gov.ir/portal/newsview/758422 |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=وزارت امور خارجه جمهوری اسلامی ایران |date=21 December 2024 }}</ref> Poland,<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2024 |title=Zamach w Magdeburgu. Prezydent Andrzej Duda zabrał głos |url=https://wiadomosci.wp.pl/zamach-w-magdeburgu-prezydent-andrzej-duda-zabral-glos-7105459582900960a |access-date=20 December 2024 |website=wiadomosci.wp.pl |language=pl |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221014111/https://wiadomosci.wp.pl/zamach-w-magdeburgu-prezydent-andrzej-duda-zabral-glos-7105459582900960a |url-status=live }}</ref> the Netherlands,<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=Dutch leaders respond to Magdeburg Christmas market attack |url=https://nltimes.nl/2024/12/21/dutch-leaders-respond-magdeburg-christmas-market-attack |website=NL Times }}</ref> and India,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Sangal |first1=Aditi |last2=Hammond |first2=Elise |date=20 December 2024 |title=December 20, 2024, At least 2 dead and dozens injured in attack on German Christmas market, authorities say |url=https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/magdeburg-germany-christmas-market-deaths-12-20-24/index.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=CNN |language=en |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220224216/https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/magdeburg-germany-christmas-market-deaths-12-20-24/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as by the Secretary-General of ], ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=European leaders offer condolences after deadly car attack in Germany |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/european-leaders-offer-condolences-after-deadly-car-attack-in-germany/3430636 |website=aa.com }}</ref> ] president ] also sent condolences to Germany.<ref name="CBS News 2024">{{Cite news |date=21 December 2024 |title=Car slams into crowd at Christmas market in Germany; at least 5 killed, 200 injured, officials say |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/christmas-market-germany-car-dead-injured-magdeburg/ |work=] |archive-date=21 December 2024 |access-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221055804/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/christmas-market-germany-car-dead-injured-magdeburg/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Insane' Magdeburg Christmas market attack turns heat on Germany's politicians |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/insane-magdeburg-christmas-market-attack-germany-politicians-islamophobia-far-right/ |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=Politico Europe }}</ref> ], the prime minister of Hungary, vowed to "fight back" against open border policies after stating that there is a connection behind immigration to western Europe and terrorist attacks.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=Hungary's Orbán blames immigration and EU for the deadly attack in Germany |url=https://apnews.com/article/hungary-orban-germany-attack-immigration-eu-ac53625a8bec49ddce7b62c615ad4594 |work=] |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221170740/https://apnews.com/article/hungary-orban-germany-attack-immigration-eu-ac53625a8bec49ddce7b62c615ad4594 |url-status=live }}</ref> Orbán also accused EU leaders of wanting "Magdeburg to happen to Hungary too."<ref name=":7" />


In the US, ] ] and ] accused media outlets of downplaying the driver's role in the car attack, with Vance singling out the ]'s headline "A car has driven into a group of people at a Christmas market in Germany".<ref>{{Cite news |title="Who Was Driving?" JD Vance, Musk Slam 'Misleading' Headlines On Germany Attack Involving Saudi Man |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/who-was-driving-jd-vance-elon-musk-slam-misleading-headlines-on-germany-attack-involving-saudi-man-7300983 |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=NDTV |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221164855/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/who-was-driving-jd-vance-elon-musk-slam-misleading-headlines-on-germany-attack-involving-saudi-man-7300983 |url-status=live }}</ref> On the day of the attack, Musk had stated that, "Only the AfD can save Germany".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-23 |title=Musk, the world's richest man, is also perhaps its most dangerous promoter of hatred |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241223-musk-the-worlds-richest-man-is-also-perhaps-its-most-dangerous-promoter-of-hatred/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=Middle East Monitor}}</ref> Abdulmohsen, an AfD supporter, had previously praised and used an AI avatar of Musk to criticize the German government.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-21 |title=Suspect in Germany auto attack that killed 5, injured 200 self-identified as Islamophobic and anti-immigrationist |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/suspect-germany-auto-attack-killed-5-injured-200-self-identified-islam-rcna185119 |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> Even as Abdulmohsen, an AfD supporter, had previously praised and used an AI avatar of Musk to criticize the German government,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-21 |title=Suspect in Germany auto attack that killed 5, injured 200 self-identified as Islamophobic and anti-immigrationist |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/suspect-germany-auto-attack-killed-5-injured-200-self-identified-islam-rcna185119 |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> ] and ] ] used the attack to accuse media outlets of downplaying the driver's role in the car attack, with Vance singling out the ]'s headline "A car has driven into a group of people at a Christmas market in Germany".<ref>{{Cite news |title="Who Was Driving?" JD Vance, Musk Slam 'Misleading' Headlines On Germany Attack Involving Saudi Man |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/who-was-driving-jd-vance-elon-musk-slam-misleading-headlines-on-germany-attack-involving-saudi-man-7300983 |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=NDTV |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221164855/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/who-was-driving-jd-vance-elon-musk-slam-misleading-headlines-on-germany-attack-involving-saudi-man-7300983 |url-status=live }}</ref> On the day of the attack, Musk had stated that, "Only the AfD can save Germany".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-23 |title=Musk, the world's richest man, is also perhaps its most dangerous promoter of hatred |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241223-musk-the-worlds-richest-man-is-also-perhaps-its-most-dangerous-promoter-of-hatred/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=Middle East Monitor |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223224410/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241223-musk-the-worlds-richest-man-is-also-perhaps-its-most-dangerous-promoter-of-hatred/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== See also == == See also ==
{{Portal|Germany|Crime {{Portal|Germany|Crime

Latest revision as of 11:19, 29 December 2024

Car attack in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

2024 Magdeburg car attack
CCTV image of the Magdeburg Christmas market during the attack. The car is visible near the bottom right.
Location of the Magdeburg Christmas market
LocationMagdeburg Christmas market, Magdeburg, Germany
Coordinates52°7′53″N 11°38′20″E / 52.13139°N 11.63889°E / 52.13139; 11.63889
Date20 December 2024 (10 days ago) (2024-12-20)
19:04 (CET)
TargetChristmas shoppers
Attack typeVehicle-ramming attack
WeaponBMW X3
Deaths5
Injured235+
MotiveUnder investigation
AccusedTaleb Al-Abdulmohsen

On 20 December 2024, an SUV was driven into a crowd at the Magdeburg Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, resulting in the deaths of 5 people and injuries to at least 235 others. The driver of the car, allegedly 50-year-old anti-Islam activist Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen, was arrested at the scene. German authorities have described the suspect as an Islamophobe. Investigators continue to search for a motive, which remains unknown.

Background

Magdeburg is the capital of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The city holds an annual Christmas market near the city hall and a large shopping center.

Christmas markets have previously been targeted by vehicle-ramming attacks, such as the 2016 attack in Berlin. That attack, perpetrated by the Islamic State, killed 12 people and injured 56 others. Minister of the interior and community Nancy Faeser said in November 2024 that there were no "concrete" threats to Christmas markets, but that it was wise to maintain vigilance.

Two weeks prior to the attack, an Iraqi man was arrested on suspicion of planning an attack against a Christmas market in Augsburg, Bavaria.

Attack and casualties

Map showing the path which the driver took in the attack

At 19:04 CET on 20 December 2024, a driver drove a black BMW rental car, reportedly rented shortly before the attack, into a crowd at high speed at a Christmas market in Magdeburg. The car traveled at least 400 meters (1,300 ft), according to police. The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the Allee-Center tram stop.

People who were uninjured helped provide first aid to the injured until emergency services arrived. Others described a chaotic aftermath with "blood on the floor" and people wrapped in emergency blankets to keep them warm. A shopkeeper, who was also a bystander, described the scenes as "reminiscent of a war".

A police line at the market

A spokesperson from the Saxony-Anhalt state government said it was "probably an attack". A luggage item was discovered in the passenger seat of the vehicle and police cordoned off the area following suspicions that an explosive device was inside the vehicle. By midnight, an investigation had determined that there were no explosives in the car.

Five people were killed, including four women aged between 45 and 75 and nine-year-old André Gleissner. More than 205 people were injured, including 41 in critical condition. On 23 December, the number of injured was revised by authorities to 235.

Suspect

Main article: Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen
Saudi identification photograph of the suspect, c. 2008

According to information from the Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff (CDU), the Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang [de] (CDU), as well as Die Welt and Der Spiegel, the suspect was named as "Taleb A." due to German privacy laws. Details released by authorities led foreign media outlets to identify Taleb A. as Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who lives in Bernburg and worked as a psychologist and psychiatrist in a correctional facility in a clinic in Bernburg. He was described by German authorities as "Islamophobic". The suspect immigrated to Germany in March 2006, was recognized as a refugee in July 2016 and has a settlement permit and thus a residence permit.

According to India Today, Abdulmohsen is wanted by Saudi Arabia on charges related to terrorism and human trafficking of people from Saudi Arabia and Persian Gulf states to the European Union. Despite Saudi Arabia's extradition request, Germany granted him political asylum in 2016, citing concerns over his safety and rights if he were returned to Saudi Arabia. The German government refused to extradite him, citing a lack of due process in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian government warned German security authorities about Abdulmohsen three times between November 2023 and September 2024. Saudi officials said he was dangerous and a potential threat to Saudi diplomats. Germany dismissed the warning, viewing it as targeting against a dissident who said he had abandoned Islam which is a capital crime in Saudi Arabia.

In the media, Abdulmohsen has been described as an ex-Muslim opposed to Islam and Muslims. That same year, Der Spiegel reported that he used his web forum wearesaudis.net and Twitter to help other Saudis escape to Germany. Abdulmohsen's X account was focused on anti-Islam themes and criticism of Islam and he congratulated Muslims who left the religion. He also described himself as a former Muslim and criticized German authorities for failing to combat the "Islamism of Europe" and supported the AfD. He was described as an activist who helped Saudi women flee their homeland and he appeared to be focused on his theory that "German authorities have been targeting Saudi asylum seekers."

Abdulmohsen appeared on the BBC showcasing his website intended to help asylum-seeking apostates, "especially from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region". Abdulmohsen shared pro-Israel content on the Internet. In a 2019 interview with The Jerusalem Post, he stated that he spent 10 to 16 hours per day assisting apostates from the Middle East to claim asylum in Western countries. In a 45-minute video interview that appeared on an anti-Islam United States blog of the RAIR Foundation eight days before the attack, Abdulmohsen stated that the German state is conducting a "covert secret operation" to "hunt and destroy the lives" of Saudi ex-Muslims around the world, but at the same time Syrian jihadists are receiving asylum in Germany. In the same interview, he said that he was not a right-winger, but a leftist, but at the same time explained that as a leftist he had come to the conclusion that the left were the "worst criminals on the planet". On Twitter, Abdulmohsen posted a machine gun with a US flag as a profile picture and conspiracy theories such as "Germany wants to Islamize Europe." Abdulmohsen also shared similar right-wing ideological content, including content from Alex Jones, Elon Musk and AfD politician Alice Weidel.

In May 2024, Abdulmohsen wrote, "I seriously expect to die this year. The reason: I will ensure justice at any cost. And the German authorities are hindering any peaceful path to justice." A few minutes before the attack, he posted more videos. In one of them, Abdulmohsen said, "The police themselves are the criminals. In this case, I hold the German nation, I hold the German citizens responsible for what is in store for me." In another video before the attack, Abdulmohsen said, "Another reason why I hold German citizens responsible for the persecution I experience in Germany is the story of a USB stick stolen from my mailbox."

According to information from several public broadcasters and private media in Germany, people reported Abdulmohsen to the police several times because of threats of violence. According to public broadcaster ARD, Abdulmohsen was sentenced in 2013 by the Rostock District Court to 90 daily rates of ten euros each for threatening criminal offenses. The Federal Intelligence Service (BND) received a report from Saudi Arabia that Abdulmohsen had announced something "big" in Germany as early as 2023. The responsible state authorities are said to have followed up on this tip. German journalist Tim Rohn from Welt also shared on X that in September 2023, a Saudi woman who had been in contact with Abdulmohsen via the Internet attempted to warn the police in Berlin that Abdulmohsen wanted to kill 20 Germans. She erroneously sent her email to US police in Berlin, New Jersey and it was unclear what happened to the tip.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that the authorities can confirm that the suspected perpetrator was "evidently Islamophobic".

Aftermath

Several Christmas markets in Germany increased security afterwards, such as in Bavaria
Tram stop one day after the attack

Hundreds of people created a makeshift memorial with flowers, lit candles and toys, at the nearby St. John's Church. Magdeburg police urged citizens to stay home. Erfurt's Christmas market was cleared, while Halle's remained open with additional security. The New York City Police Department in the US also increased security at Christmas markets in response to the attack.

A memorial service for dead victims will take place in Magdeburg Cathedral. Interior minister Nancy Faeser ordered flags lowered to half-staff at all federal buildings across the country. The Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) called on all sides of the top two divisions of German football to wear black armbands in memory of the victims and have minutes of silence in several Bundesliga games.

Publications such as Politico and The Wall Street Journal wrote that the attack could reinvigorate discussions of immigration in Germany ahead of the federal election in 2025.

Nancy Faeser and the heads of Germany's domestic and foreign intelligence services will answer questions at parliamentary committee hearings into the attack on December 30, a senior lawmaker said.

Misinformation

According to Tagesschau, following the attack, various domestic and foreign actors started spreading false information on social media. They said that before the first official statement by authorities was made, Austrian far-right activist Martin Sellner said that the alleged perpetrator was Syrian. They said that other sources said that the perpetrator had come to Germany as a Syrian refugee during the 2015 European migrant crisis. They said that Sellner and other activists greatly exaggerated the number of victims and said that there were 5 perpetrators of the attack instead of 1 and that 11 people were killed instead of 2. They said that sources distributed video footage of Syrians celebrating the overthrow of the Assad regime in Germany and said that they showed Syrians celebrating the attack. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was accused of saying a quote: "one should not expose the person who committed the crime ... but listen to the reasons calmly and patiently"; and tagesschau said it was later established that he never said it. They said Anti-Israel activists spread false reports that the attack was a false flag operation carried out by the Mossad to boost Western support for Israel. They also said Turkish nationalists claimed that Kurdish militias carried out the attack in retaliation for Germany's alleged support for Turkey in the Syrian civil war.

According to Deutsche Welle, on social media, various accounts said that suspect behind the attack was shouting "Allahu Akbar" as he was being arrested by police. Deutsche Welle say that their analysis of the video recording of the suspect's arrest, together with an Arabic-speaking journalist proved that these words are not heard anywhere in the video. After the suspect's anti-Islam activism and support for AfD had been reported, Elon Musk and other X users said the suspect's activism was a scam to avoid being deported.

Protests

Anti-migration protests were organized by the far-right at the site of the attack. Protesters carried signs calling for remigration and shouted slogans such as "Wir sind das Volk" (German: "We are the People"). Participating groups included Die Heimat and its youth organization, the Young Nationalists.

Investigation

According to Germany's head of domestic security agency BKA, Holger Münch, the authorities have yet to determine a motive. The federal prosecutors would take up the case if the killings were deemed to be acts of terrorism caused by an attacker motivated by political or religious convictions. Münch stated that prior to the attack, police received a tip from Saudi Arabian authorities about a tweet in which Taleb threatened Germany would pay a "price" for its treatment of Saudi refugees. The police in Saxony-Anhalt, the capital of Magdeburg started looking into it, and "proceedings were initiated" according to Münch, but he also added that the threats were too unspecific. Münch stated that the actions of the suspect appeared to follow "a completely atypical pattern".

On Saturday evening, the suspect behind the attack was brought before a judge, who behind closed doors ordered him to be kept in custody on five counts of murder, multiple counts of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm. He may be facing possible indictment.

The suspect's potential motivations are being investigated by police, including whether or not they were influenced by discontent with Germany's treatment of Saudi refugees, according to Horst Walter Nopens, head of the local public prosecutor's office. Investigators found that he had tried to build connections to far-right organisations in Germany and the UK, including Germany's AfD party as well as Tommy Robinson, the founder of the far-right English Defence League.

Responses

Flowers in memory of the victims at the St. John's Church

Domestic

Many political figures in Germany expressed their condolences after the attack, including Saxony-Anhalt Minister-President Reiner Haseloff, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and party leaders Friedrich Merz, of CDU, and Alice Weidel, of AfD. Haseloff and Scholz also visited the site of the attack, along with interior minister Nancy Faeser. In addition, Haseloff was also one of the first to provide the detail that the attacker acted alone.

German far right party, AfD called for major rallies across Germany after the attack. The AfD's parliamentary leader, Bernd Baumann, demanded that Chancellor Scholz call a special session in the Bundestag on what he described as a "desolate" security situation.

Sahra Wagenknecht, the leader of the BSW party, stated that Nancy Faeser, the interior minister, needs to formally explain "why so many tips and warnings were ignored beforehand".

The German-based Atheist Refugee Relief said that the alleged perpetrator was not a member of the organization and said that he made many false "accusations and claims" against them and their former board members. It also distanced itself from Abdulmohsen "in the strongest terms" and added that its members filed a criminal complaint against him following "the most foul slander and verbal attacks" in 2019.

German analyst Peter Neumann expressed surprise towards the unique profile of the perpetrator as a "50-year-old Saudi ex-Muslim" who lived in Eastern Germany, supported the AfD and "want to punish Germany for its tolerance towards Islamists."

International

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry condemned the attack and expressed its solidarity with the German people and its support of the victims. They had also requested his extradition.

Condolences were expressed by the leaders of Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Hungary, Spain, Turkey, Iran, Poland, the Netherlands, and India, as well as by the Secretary-General of NATO, Mark Rutte. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also sent condolences to Germany. Viktor Orbán, the prime minister of Hungary, vowed to "fight back" against open border policies after stating that there is a connection behind immigration to western Europe and terrorist attacks. Orbán also accused EU leaders of wanting "Magdeburg to happen to Hungary too."

Even as Abdulmohsen, an AfD supporter, had previously praised and used an AI avatar of Musk to criticize the German government, Elon Musk and Vice President-elect JD Vance used the attack to accuse media outlets of downplaying the driver's role in the car attack, with Vance singling out the Associated Press's headline "A car has driven into a group of people at a Christmas market in Germany". On the day of the attack, Musk had stated that, "Only the AfD can save Germany".

See also

References

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