A local fire brigade has honored a nine-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in an attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The child, identified as André Gleißner, was killed when a car drove into a crowd of shoppers on Friday evening, according to the local fire department.
The statement from the fire brigade revealed that André was a member of the children’s fire brigade in Warle, located about an hour’s drive from Magdeburg. In the attack, four additional victims—three women aged 45, 52, and 67, as well as a 75-year-old woman—also lost their lives, while authorities have detained a suspect facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and dangerous bodily harm.
The fire department expressed its condolences, saying, “Our thoughts are with André’s family, and we aim to support them during this incredibly tough time.” The Lower Saxony youth fire brigade joined in mourning, offering sympathy and support to André’s family and friends.
The horrific incident resulted in over 200 injuries, with several individuals reported in critical condition. As of now, the identities of the four women who perished have not been disclosed.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos as the car barreled through the market via an emergency access lane shortly after 7 PM local time. Eyewitness accounts indicated people jumping out of the way or seeking cover as the vehicle sped through a pedestrian walkway. The driver later exited the vehicle and was apprehended in traffic by police.
Approximately 100 emergency responders, including police officers, medics, and firefighters, were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance. A 50-year-old man is currently in custody, suspected of committing five counts of murder and multiple attempted murders. Local reports name him as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a psychiatrist originally from Saudi Arabia, who has been residing in Germany since 2006.
Authorities have stated that the motivation behind the attack is still under investigation, although initial assessments suggest the driver acted independently. This incident has raised security concerns in Germany, particularly since reports have surfaced indicating prior warnings regarding the suspect’s potential risk to public safety. The Saudi foreign ministry disclosed that it had informed German officials about al-Abdulmohsen’s extremist views, but received no acknowledgment of these concerns.
