The youngest victim of an attack at a German Christmas market has been named as his mum led a tribute to her “little bear”.
Nine-year-old André Gleißner was filmed for the first time since the tragedy, which also claimed the lives of four women and left 205 others injured.
10
André Gleißner, 9, was tragically killed when his car crashed into a crowd at the Christmas market in MagdeburgCredit: Facebook
10
Gleißner’s heartbroken mum Désirée led tributes to her ‘little bear’Credit: Facebook
10
The video was captured at the moment when the car ran into the market
A 50-year-old Saudi doctor, named by local media as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, was arrested in a market after allegedly going on a deadly three-minute rampage.
The suspect was brought to court last night by armed officers and now faces five counts of murder.
Gleißner’s heartbroken mother Désirée took to social media for the first time since the attack on the market and posted an emotional message to her boy.
It said: “Let my little bear fly around the world again.
read more in the attack on Magdeburg
“André didn’t do anything to anyone. He was only with us on Earth for nine years. Why you? Just why?
“I don’t understand, now you are with your grandparents in heaven.
“They missed you very much, as we miss you here now. You will live in our hearts forever. I promise you that.”
André was also a valued member of his local community as he was part of the children’s fire brigade in the Wolfenbüttel district.
Fire chief Ludger Flohre described his death as “horrific”.
A number of firefighters arrived at the memorial in front of St John’s Church, a few meters from where the attack took place, and were visibly emotional as they put away a child’s fireman’s hat.
The attacker at the Christmas market arrives in court
Local priest Max Frutchtl added that André actively participated in community traditions such as singing Christmas carols.
He recently moved to Lower Saxony with Désirée.
A family friend also told the Sun how much André is looking forward to Christmas in just a few days.
They said: “Andre was so looking forward to Christmas. He wanted to spend the last weekend with his family at the Christmas market in Magdeburg.
“That day ended with an incredible tragedy. Andre was the victim of that terrible attack and will never be able to unwrap his gifts.
“With his bright smile and joy of life, Andre leaves a great void in the hearts of his family, friends and all those who knew him.”
Thousands soon poured in to honor the boy, with Désirée’s Facebook post being shared by more than 185,000 people.
It comes as…
Popular German DJ Jan Leyk left an emotional post in which he described Gleißner as a “little angel”.
He said: “You were just a child, an innocent little person just beginning to discover the world – a world that was meant to love and protect you.
“Instead, she failed you. Your life ended too soon and so tragically, and I can’t believe you’re gone.
“Rest in peace, little angel. May the love of your family surround you forever, and may your fate remind us that it can never be returned.”
More than £41,000 has been raised in just two days on a GoFundMe for the little boy.
The family say they are “overwhelmed” by the support and generosity.
The collector said
It said the money raised would be used for Andrea’s funeral and headstone.
Four women aged 45, 52, 67 and 75 were also killed in the fatal car attack.
German authorities have not yet officially named any of the victims.
Officials still fear the death toll could rise, with 41 injured still in serious condition.
10
Flowers and toys were left at the mural for the victims Credit: Chris Eades
10
Suspect Taleb al-Abdulmohsen was arrested just three minutes after the attack beganCredit: Submitted
10
Hundreds gathered around a makeshift mural near the scene of the tragedyCredit: Reuters
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told the citizens of Magdeburg yesterday that he was still “very concerned” about their health.
In addition to five counts of murder, al-Abdulmohsen is also being investigated on 205 counts of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm, prosecutor Horst Walter Nopens said.
The video shows how the suspect was transported from a police van late last night and taken to the District Court in Magdeburg.
She appeared to be wearing an orange jumpsuit with a gray sweater and a white top.
At least six armed police officers stood by the alleged killer, who was handcuffed behind his back.
The judge remanded him in custody on several serious charges.
The suspect was then taken to a nearby pretrial correctional facility, Welt reported.
Just hours before the devastating attack, al-Abdulmohsen was seen at a local restaurant grabbing a beer.
The diner’s owner told the DailyMail that he appeared relaxed, adding that he was a regular customer and was “always alone”.
Reports of the attack on the market were first reported on Friday at 19:02 local time when a rented BMW veered off the car-friendly road and into Breiter Weg – a street designated only for tram lines.
The driver is believed to have hit several pedestrians first before making a quick right onto Alter Markt where many market goers had gathered.
He was driving at a speed of up to 40 km/h when the car first crashed into dozens of people, horrified witnesses said.
Who is Taleb al-Abdulmohsen?
The man suspected of killing five people after crashing his car into them at a German Christmas market is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor.
Since he was identified by the local media, numerous revelations about his past have emerged.
It was announced that Taleb is an anti-Islamic activist who arrived in Germany in 2006 as a refugee from Saudi Arabia, according to Bild.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser confirmed to journalists today that the suspect is an Islamophobe.
The doctor is also said to have shared hundreds of strange posts on his social media in the days leading up to the attack.
One reportedly claimed he felt Germany wanted to “Islamize” Europe, the newspaper reported.
He is also allegedly a vocal supporter of the far-right AfD party.
Taleb has lived in the nearby town of Bernburg – just over 30 minutes from Magdeburg – since he fled the Middle East.
German media reports that he has become a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy and works in a neighboring town.
Since 2016, he has been officially recognized as a refugee, according to local media.
German media also state that Taleb was seen in a BBC documentary back in 2019.
The ground was covered in blood and glitter as doctors tried to treat the injured, observers added.
The car went “through people” and sent others to “go over it,” added a man standing just a few feet from the crash.
Officials say the street had no bollards at the entrance because city officials wanted it to be used by emergency services.
After three minutes of destruction, the driver stopped and was soon surrounded by police officers who came to meet him.
The video shows suspect al-Abdulmohsen talking to officers as he voluntarily surrendered and lay in the street before being arrested.
On the occasion of the tragedy, the organizers of the market yesterday published a sincere statement that reads: “We are deeply saddened, and our hearts and thoughts are with the victims, relatives and helpers.
“The Christmas market and the world of lights are over.”
After the attack, thousands gathered to mourn the victims alongside government officials and emergency workers at a moving memorial service at Magdeburg Cathedral.
Candles were lit in solidarity with hundreds of flowers and adorable toys placed outside on a makeshift mural.
A minute’s silence was also held for the attack during the soccer match between Rot-Weiss Essen and VfB Stuttgart II.
But she was interrupted by a protester who then escorted her outside the stadium in Essen.
10
Image believed to show Taleb al-Abdulmohsen Credit: AFP
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education