Accusation Against Suspect in Christmas Market Attack in Germany: Five Counts of Murder

German police announced that the suspect in the deadly attack on Christmas market visitors in the city of Magdeburg has been charged with multiple murders and attempted murder. According to a police statement on Sunday, December 23, the attacker is in custody and faces charges of 'committing five counts of murder', 'several counts of attempted murder', and 'causing serious bodily harm'. The suspect, identified as a 50-year-old psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia named 'Taleb Abdul Mohsen', drove an SUV at high speed into the Christmas market area in Magdeburg on Friday, December 21, running over more than 200 people for three minutes. During the attack, five people, including a 9-year-old child, were killed, and more than 200 were injured, with the condition of about 40 of them reported as 'critical'. According to an eyewitness, 'the perpetrator deliberately entered that part of the Christmas market which was decorated with scenes from fairy tales' where many families were gathered with their young children. Reports indicate that the suspect has been residing in Germany for about two decades and is known for his anti-Islamic views and support for the far-right party 'Alternative for Germany'. The motive for the attack remains unclear. The Magdeburg prosecutor's office mentioned one possible motive for the attacker was his dissatisfaction with how Germany treats Saudi Arabian refugees. Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, is considered part of the former East Germany and has a population of about 240,000. Reuters reported, citing a Saudi source, that the suspect had previously posted some positions against peace and security on the social media platform 'X', and Saudi Arabia had warned Germany about him several times. Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, condemned the attack, calling the killing and injuring of citizens in such a 'brutal' manner a 'horrific' act. Joe Biden, the President of the United States, also issued a statement on Saturday, December 23, in response to the attack on the Christmas market in a German city, stating that the United States will always support its allies against 'violent terrorism'. He expressed sympathy for the people of Germany, emphasizing that no community or family should suffer such a 'hateful and dark' event, especially on the eve of joyful and peaceful holidays. About eight years ago, an Islamist attacker also ran over Christmas market visitors in Berlin, the capital of Germany, killing 13 and injuring dozens. Biden: We support our allies against 'violent terrorism'. Increase in the number of victims from vehicle collisions with crowds in Germany; driver from Saudi Arabia. German officials: Suspect in Christmas market attack has anti-Islam views. At least 5 killed and about 200 injured in the Christmas market attack in Germany.