Taleb al Abdulmohsen, The Saudi Ex-Muslim Psychiatrist Behind Magdeburg Christmas Market Attack In Germany

In a shocking incident at a local Christmas market, Taleb al Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi-born psychiatrist, drove a car into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a child, and injuring up to 80 others. Al Abdulmohsen, who has lived in Germany since 2006 after being granted asylum, was known for his vocal criticism of Islam, support for Israel, and affiliation with far-right ideologies.

Al Abdulmohsen had previously established “wearesaudi.net,” a site aiding ex-Muslims, particularly women, escaping from Gulf countries. Despite his humanitarian efforts, he was wanted by Saudi authorities for terrorism and human trafficking, charges Germany refused to extradite him for, citing human rights concerns. His online presence included threats against Germans and anti-Islam rhetoric.

On his website, he warned prospective refugees to eschew Germany due to what he perceived as the government’s tolerance of radical Islam.

The man also posted pro-Israel content in the wake of the Oct. 7 terror attack and was a supporter of Germany’s rightwing anti-immigration party AfD, the newspaper reported.

In social media posts days before the attack, the suspect criticized the German government, claiming it was promoting the European nation’s Islamization, and also alleged authorities were censoring him because of his views.

This attack has ignited debates on Germany’s asylum and security policies, with many questioning the vetting processes and the integration of refugees into society. The incident occurred amidst a backdrop of increasing far-right sentiments in Germany, highlighted by Al Abdulmohsen’s alleged support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

A Saudi source told Reuters the kingdom had warned German authorities about the attacker, who the source said had posted extremist views on his personal X account.

The source identified the suspect as Taleb Abdul Jawad. Germany’s Der Spiegel identified the attacker as Taleb A., a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy who sympathised with Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party. The magazine did not say where it got the information.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry condemned the attack.

Authorities have arrested Al Abdulmohsen, and investigations are ongoing to understand the full motive behind the attack. This tragedy has left the community in mourning and has prompted a reevaluation of public safety measures during festive events.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who sent his thoughts to those affected in a post on social media platform X, is expected to visit the scene on Saturday with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

A video posted on social media from a position above the market shows a car driving at speed through a crowd walking between two rows of market stalls. People can be seen knocked to the ground and running away. Reuters was able to verify the location, with the trees, outline and design of the buildings matching file and satellite imagery of the area.

Footage from a local broadcaster showed people wrapped in blankets on the ground receiving care in the wake of the attack.

Bild newspaper quoted a witness identified only as Nadine saying she had been walking arm-in-arm with her boyfriend, Marco, when the car came hurtling towards them.

“He was hit and ripped away from my side,” Bild cited her as saying, adding that he had been injured on his leg and head and taken to hospital but she did not know where to find him.

“The uncertainty is unbearable,” she told Bild.

Late last month, Faeser advised people to be vigilant at Christmas markets, which have been a particular focus of security services as a potential target for extremist attacks.

The attack comes one day after the anniversary of the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack that killed 12 people and injured 56 in the deadliest terror attack in German history.