A deadly Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, Germany has left five people dead and over 235 injured. The suspect, a Saudi doctor with permanent residency, is believed to not fit the usual profile of extremist attackers. However, his online activities suggest a far-right sympathizer.
Mourners have laid flowers near the scene of the attack, while investigators are puzzled by the motive behind the rampage. Authorities had previously contacted the suspect due to threatening behavior and tipoffs, but it appears his statements were “confused” enough that security patterns didn’t fit him.
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck fears the attack will fuel online misinformation ahead of a national election in late February. He urged people not to be infected by hatred and warned that distrust against Muslims, foreigners, and people with immigration histories may entrench itself deeper in society.
The incident has sparked concerns about social divisions in Germany, with some far-right groups using the attack to spread hate speech. The government is now facing calls for a review of its security architecture, but Justice Minister Volker Wissing cautioned that it’s “still too early” to draw conclusions.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/germany-magdeburg-christmas-market-attack-9ae2b2ca5cea3cef79fe502ab3f27b63