THE suspected driver that killed at least four people at a German Christmas market has been unmasked as a refugee Saudi doctor.
A 50-year-old man was arrested last night at the scene of the horror festive crash with local media now identifying him as Taleb A.
Four people, including a child, have been confirmed as dead due to the car crash last night.
Another 200 people were injured, with at least 15 being seriously hurt after a car ploughed into unsuspecting revellers.
Officials fear the number of deaths could rise in the coming hours.
Armed cops caught the refugee and placed him in handcuffs next to a rented BMW SUV believed to have been used in the chilling incident.
It is being reported that he is an anti-Islam activist who arrived in Germany in 2006 as a refugee from Saudi Arabia, according to Bild.
It comes as…
- Four confirmed dead, including one toddler
- Over 200 injured with dozens in a critical condition
- Police issue UK terror warning over fears of “copycat strike”
He has lived in the nearby town of Bernburg – just over 30 minutes from Magdeburg – since fleeing the Middle East.
German media say he became a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy and works in the neighbouring town.
He has been officially recognised as a refugee since 2016, local media say.
His home was quickly surrounded by cops after his identity was known as investigators raided the building at around 3:45am, Bild added.
German media also say they have spotted Taleb in a BBC documentary back in 2019.
He spoke on his work as an activist trying to help others be granted safe asylum out of Saudi Arabia.
In the video he can be heard calling himself an ex-Muslim and claims to have helped hundreds of people flee the Gulf region.
Saudi Arabian officials are believed to have warned Germany about Taleb prior to the deadly car crash, Reuters reports.
They cited an “insider” from the Kingdom who said concerns were raised after the suspect posted extremist views on social media.
Saudi Arabia is said to have submitted an extradition request against the alleged killer as he was wanted in the country with an arrest warrant, media outlet Welt claim.
Their foreign ministry condemned the attack yesterday and said it will stand in solidarity with Germany and the victim’s love ones.
They are yet to comment on the suspect.
A motive for the attack is still yet to be announced as German officials continue to investigate.
Suspect, Taleb, was travelling at up to 40mph when he first smashed into people at the festive celebrations, horrified witnesses said.
He reportedly raced through the packed market for at least 400m (1,300ft) – leaving trails of devastation 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 currently know he was a lone attacker so we don’t think there is any further danger for the city.”
Witnesses said the ground was covered in blood and tinsel as doctors scrambled to treat the injured.
The car went “through people” and sent others “going over it”, a man standing just feet away from the crash added.
Tents were immediately set up to treat victims while all hospitals in the area said they were preparing for a “mass casualty event”.
Neighbouring cities, including Halle, around 50 miles from Magdeburg, also prepared their hospitals to take in victims.
A special hotline was set up last night for family and friends fearing for their loved ones.
As fears are also growing of a “copycat” attack over in the UK.
Messages of solidarity pour in
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said “reports from Magdeburg lead us to fear the worst”. He added: “My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
“We stand by their side and by the side of all Magdeburg residents. My thanks to all the emergency services in these difficult hours.”
Mr Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will travel to the scene of the incident today.
Robert Habeck, Germany’s vice-chancellor, said on X: “What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend the advent season in peace and community.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.”
Meanwhile UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: “I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany.”
Star English footballer Harry Kane, who is playing for Bayern Munich, also shared a tribute in a post on X.
He said: “Hearing news of the tragedy in Magdeburg puts things in perspective and on nights like this football isn’t what’s most important.
“My thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by the horrific tragedy.”
The German footballing giants in Munich decided to cancel a planned Christmas ceremony which was scheduled for after their clash with RB Leipzig yesterday.
The crowd came together instead and sang an emotional rendition of Silent Night, Holy Night with a local choir.
French President Emmanuel Macron also added he is “deeply shocked by the horror that struck the Magdeburg Christmas market”.
