German police probe market attack security and warnings
3 min read
German authorities are under scrutiny following a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, where a suspect drove into a crowd, killing five and injuring over 200 people. The attack has sparked questions about security measures and the authorities’ knowledge of the suspect, a Saudi national named Taleb al-Abdulmohsen. On a visit to the scene, politicians faced boos and heckling from the public, frustrated by what many saw as a failure in security.
German officials, however, have defended the layout of the market and its safety precautions. City officials explained that the market’s design included barriers to protect visitors, though a gap large enough to allow emergency vehicles through was present. This gap was meant to facilitate rapid evacuation in case of a conventional emergency. Magdeburg’s city official, Ronni Krug, stated that the plan had been approved by all relevant authorities, noting that such an incident might not have been preventable.
The mood in Magdeburg is somber, with sadness, anger, and confusion filling the air as residents question how this could have happened. In the aftermath, security has been heightened across Germany’s Christmas markets, especially following the 2016 Berlin attack, where a truck was driven into a market, killing 12 people. Now, open markets are generally surrounded by concrete barriers to prevent similar incidents.
The suspect, al-Abdulmohsen, arrived in Germany in 2006 and was recognized as a refugee in 2016. A doctor by profession and an outspoken atheist, he ran a website helping former Muslims flee persecution in their homelands. His social media presence was filled with anti-Islamic rhetoric and conspiracy theories. German authorities had received multiple warnings about him, including one from Saudi Arabia, his home country, which alerted them to his extreme views. However, a counter-terrorism expert suggested that Saudi Arabia’s warnings may have been part of a disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting someone helping Saudi women seek asylum in Germany.
In a press conference, Magdeburg police chief Tom-Oliver Langhans revealed that while authorities had assessed whether al-Abdulmohsen posed a threat a year ago, the suspect’s activities did not warrant further action at the time. He confirmed that investigations into his past were ongoing. The German Office for Migration and Refugees also acknowledged receiving a complaint about the suspect, but as they are not an investigative body, the matter was referred to other authorities.
In November 2023, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) received an official notice from Saudi Arabia about al-Abdulmohsen. Holger Münch, the head of BKA, explained that local police had investigated the matter but found it to be unspecific. While al-Abdulmohsen had a history of making threats, he had not been known for violent behavior, leading to the conclusion that he did not present an immediate danger. Münch added that past investigations into the suspect would now need to be revisited.
The scrutiny of the suspect’s social media activity has intensified, with authorities examining his online presence, where he frequently posted anti-Islamic content and threats. The German ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, raised concerns about X (formerly Twitter) not taking action against al-Abdulmohsen despite his threats. Berger pointed out that the European Union’s Digital Safety Act requires social media platforms to act against harmful content, but in this case, X had not taken appropriate action.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, has been publicly critical of German authorities. In addition to supporting far-right political group Alternative for Germany (AfD), Musk retweeted posts critical of the German government’s handling of the suspect’s online threats. The German ambassador responded by urging Musk to focus on the responsibility of his platform rather than offering unsolicited political advice to Germans. Musk’s involvement in the matter has drawn further attention to the intersection of social media regulation, political influence, and national security.
As the investigation continues, the German public remains divided on how the authorities handled the situation. While security at Christmas markets has been tightened, questions persist about whether more could have been done to prevent the attack. In the wake of this tragedy, both German officials and the public are left grappling with the complexities of safeguarding public spaces while balancing security measures and individual rights.
About The Author
