Sat Dec 21 13:42:08 UTC 2024: ## Christmas Market Car Ramming in Magdeburg Leaves Dozens Injured, Suspect in Custody
**Magdeburg, Germany** – A horrific car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, has left over 60 people injured. The suspect, identified by German media as Taleb A., a Saudi Arabian psychiatrist living in Germany since 2006, has been arrested. He allegedly drove his BMW at high speed through the crowded market, causing widespread injuries and damage.
Police apprehended the suspect at the scene, with video footage showing officers apprehending him with guns drawn. The attack, which occurred around 6 PM GMT, left a trail of injured victims and debris across a 400-meter stretch of the city’s central town hall square.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, praising the rescue workers responding to the incident. He stated that the attack raises the worst fears. The attack comes after warnings from German security agencies about the vulnerability of Christmas markets to Islamist-motivated attacks. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had previously urged vigilance at such events.
A Saudi source revealed to Reuters that Saudi Arabian authorities had previously warned German officials about the suspect’s extremist views, reportedly posted on X (formerly Twitter). The US State Department expressed shock and sadness at the incident, offering assistance in the recovery and investigation efforts.
The incident follows a recent series of suspected Islamist knife attacks in Germany, raising concerns about national security. Elon Musk, in unrelated comments, criticized Chancellor Scholz and reiterated his support for the German far-right AfD party. The German government has acknowledged Musk’s remarks but declined further comment. The investigation into the Magdeburg attack is ongoing.
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