Talib Al-Abdulmohsen, the man suspected of driving a car into crowds at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, is facing multiple charges of murder and attempted murder, police confirmed on Sunday.
The attack, which occurred on Friday evening, left five people dead and dozens injured, shocking the nation and reigniting debates about immigration and public safety.
The victims included a nine-year-old boy and four women aged 52, 45, 75, and 67, according to a police statement.
Approximately 40 others sustained serious or critical injuries. Authorities reported that the suspect drove through emergency exit points into the Christmas market, accelerating into the crowded space. The attack lasted three minutes, injuring over 200 people before the suspect was apprehended at the scene.
Who is Talib Al-Abdulmohsen?
The suspect has been identified as Talib Al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi-born psychiatrist and activist who has lived in Germany since 2006.
He is known for his outspoken anti-Islamic rhetoric and identifies as an atheist and ex-Muslim. Al-Abdulmohsen has a controversial history, including allegations of promoting extremist views and expressing hostility toward Germans on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).
Al-Abdulmohsen is reportedly wanted by Saudi Arabia on charges related to terrorism and human trafficking, including allegations of smuggling girls from Saudi Arabia and Gulf states to EU countries. Despite these charges, Germany granted him political asylum and refused extradition, citing concerns about human rights violations in Saudi Arabia.
While Al-Abdulmohsen remains in custody, authorities have not confirmed a clear motive for the attack. His background, public statements, and criminal history have intensified public scrutiny and political debates in Germany.
The investigation continues as the nation mourns the victims of this horrific incident.
