The suspected driver who killed at least five people at a German Christmas market has been exposed as a Saudi refugee doctor.
A 50-year-old man was arrested at the scene of the horrific accident last night and has now been identified by local media as Taleb A.
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The moment German cops arrested suspect Taleb A at the scene of a horrific Christmas car crashCredit: Submitted
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Taleb seen on the ground next to the car used to ram the market-goers as a policeman points a gun at himCredit: Submitted
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Image believed to show Taleb
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The wrecked BMW used by suspect Taleb ACredit: Reuters
It has been confirmed that five people, including a child, died in last night’s accident.
Another 200 people were injured and at least 15 were seriously injured after the car plowed into unsuspecting people.
Officials fear that the death toll could rise in the coming hours.
City councilor for public order Ronni Krug made the heartbreaking remark earlier today saying: “Christmas in Magdeburg is over.”
read more in the Magdeburg disaster
Armed officers seized the refugee and handcuffed him next to a rented BMW SUV believed to have been used in the gruesome incident.
He was allegedly under the influence of drugs after an initial drug wipe test came back positive, a police source told Bild.
It comes as…
It is said 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 days before the attack.
One reportedly claimed he felt Germany wanted to “Islamize” Europe, the newspaper reported.
Allegedly, he is also a vocal supporter of the extreme right-wing 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.
Pictures show his home quickly surrounded by police after his identity was revealed as investigators stormed the building around 3:45am.
German media also state that Taleb was seen in a BBC documentary back in 2019.
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Taleb appeared in a BBC documentary back in 2019. Credits: X
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Police stand in front of Taleb’s house in the early morning hours on SaturdayCredit: AP
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Video captured at the moment when the car ran into the market Credit: X
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Police officers arrested a suspect from Saudi Arabia last night Credit: AP
He spoke about his work as an activist trying to help others gain safe asylum outside of Saudi Arabia.
In the video, he can be heard calling himself a former Muslim and claiming to have helped hundreds of people flee the Gulf region.
Saudi officials are believed to have warned Germany about Taleb before the fatal car crash, Reuters reported.
They quoted an “insider” in the Kingdom as saying that concerns arose after the suspect posted extremist views on social media.
Saudi Arabia reportedly requested the extradition of the alleged killer because he was wanted in the country with an arrest warrant, according to the Welt media outlet.
Their foreign ministry yesterday condemned the attack and said it would stand in solidarity with Germany and the victim’s loved ones.
They have not yet released a statement about the suspect.
The motive for the attack has yet to be released as German officials continue to investigate.
The suspect, Taleb, was driving at speeds of up to 40mph when he first plowed into people at the festive celebration, horrified witnesses said.
He reportedly ran through the crowded market for at least 400m (1,300ft) – leaving a trail of destruction in his path.
There were also reports claiming there may have been a bomb in the passenger seat of the BMW after a suspicious piece of luggage was found.
Magdeburg Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff told reporters at the scene: “We have arrested the perpetrator.
“From what we know right now, he was a lone attacker, so we don’t think there is any further danger to the city.”
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German special police forces attended the crime sceneCredit: AP
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Dozens of injured revelers were treated in tents at the sceneCredit: Getty
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People in Magdeburg have started creating a memorial site for the victims Credit: Chris Eades
Witnesses said the ground was covered in blood and glitter as doctors tried to treat the injured.
The car went “through people” and sent others to “go over it,” added a man standing just a few feet from the crash.
Tents were immediately set up to treat the victims, while all hospitals in the area said they were preparing for a “massive event”.
Neighboring towns, including Halle, about 50 miles from Magdeburg, also prepared their hospitals to receive victims.
A special telephone line was set up last night for families and friends who fear for their loved ones.
Since the fear of “impersonator” attacks in Great Britain is also growing.
Messages of solidarity are pouring in
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Magdeburg today and addressed a large crowd in the heartbroken city.
He described the events as a “terrible, tragic incident” and confirmed that five people have been confirmed dead so far.
Scholz said: “What a horrible act to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality.
“Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we have to be very concerned about them.”
“It is important that nothing remains unexplored, that every stone be turned over,” he added.
Robert Habeck, the German vice chancellor, said on X: “What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend Advent in peace and community.
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Rescue teams hug each other after the horrific accidentCredit: AFP
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Magdeburg today together with Vice Chancellor Robert HabeckCredit: Reuters
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on the scene who are doing everything they can to help and clarify the background.”
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: “I am appalled by the horrific attack in Magdeburg tonight.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany.”
England soccer star Harry Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich, also paid tribute in a post on X.
He said: “The news of the tragedy in Magdeburg puts things into perspective and on nights like this football is not the most important thing.
“My thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”
The German football giant in Munich decided to cancel the planned Christmas celebration that was scheduled after their clash with RB Leipzig yesterday.
The crowd gathered instead and sang an emotional rendition of Silent Night, Holy Night with a local choir.
French President Emmanuel Macron also added that he was “deeply shocked by the horror that struck the Christmas market in Magdeburg”.
A memorial service for the dead is scheduled to take place later today.
Eight years ago, Germany faced a similarly horrific attack after a failed asylum seeker with Islamist links crashed into a Christmas market in Berlin.
Twelve people died after Anis Amri caused a deadly incident and escaped.
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The market was quickly closed and cordoned off after the gruesome attackCredit: EPA
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Injured and deceased people were lying on the ground after the tragedy Credits: AP
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