A Saudi-born psychiatrist with a history of anti-Islamic activism deliberately drove into crowds at a German Christmas market Friday evening, killing five people and injuring more than 200 others in what authorities are calling a deliberate attack.
The suspect, identified in German media as Taleb A., 50, had lived in Germany for nearly 20 years and worked at a rehabilitation clinic. He was known for giving media interviews about helping Saudis and ex-Muslims flee to Europe, telling Germany's FAZ newspaper in 2019 that "there is no good Islam."
Mounting Questions About Missed Warnings:
- Saudi Arabia claims it warned German authorities multiple times since 2006
- German intelligence assessed him as "no specific danger" last year
- Suspect hadn't been at work since October due to sick leave
"What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people with such brutality," Chancellor Olaf Scholz said while laying a white rose at a church near the attack site. Nearly 40 victims remain critically injured.
The attack has inflamed Germany's already heated debate over migration ahead of February elections, where the far-right AfD party is polling strongly.
"Children screaming, crying for mama. You can't forget that," said witness Andrea Reis, who narrowly avoided the car's path with her daughter. They returned Saturday to lay candles at the scene.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser acknowledged the suspect's anti-Islamic views but declined to specify a motive as the investigation continues.
Reuters contributed to this article.
