Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian doctor, has been accused of killing four women and a nine-year-old boy by driving into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. He has been remanded into custody as authorities investigate the incident and his possible motivations. The attack occurred when his black BMW plowed through the crowded market, leaving over 200 people injured and 40 in critical condition. Al-Abdulmohsen bypassed security bollards with the rental vehicle and entered the market through a gap meant for emergency vehicles, where he drove down a narrow, crowded alley, knocking scores of people to the ground.
Police are investigating whether he intentionally disabled the car’s emergency braking system to maximize impact. Al-Abdulmohsen was confronted by armed police near the scene minutes after the attack and was arrested. Authorities are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any photos or videos of the incident. Al-Abdulmohsen had been previously questioned, and officials are still investigating his motive.
Some speculate that his dissatisfaction with the treatment of Saudi Arabian refugees in Germany could be a possible motive as he had expressed anger towards German police and the nation. He had entered Germany in 2006, sought asylum in 2016, and worked at a clinic as a psychiatrist. Additionally, he has a history of inflammatory online activity and has been accused of erratic behavior by an NGO for refugees. Al-Abdulmohsen has also aligned himself with far-right movements such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Authorities have stated that they did not have the perpetrator in their focus prior to the attack.
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