Tragedy at Magdeburg market: Suspect's drug use probed
German media are revealing more details about Friday's attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. According to "Der Spiegel," 50-year-old Taleb Abdul Dżawad stayed several times at the Maritim Hotel in this city during November and December. "According to security sources, he may have been preparing for the attack there," it reads.
On Friday evening, a tragedy occurred in Magdeburg when a car drove into the crowd at the Christmas market. German authorities suspect it was an attack, and the alleged perpetrator has been detained.
The number of fatalities has risen to five. Saxony-Anhalt Premier Reiner Haseloff reported that over 200 people were injured, many seriously.
Suspect under the influence of drugs?
According to the "Bild" newspaper, the suspect of the attack, 50-year-old Taleb Abdul Dżawad from Saudi Arabia, may have been under the influence of drugs. Preliminary tests revealed the presence of intoxicants in his body. This information, as the newspaper states, comes from police sources and must ultimately be confirmed by blood tests.
Meanwhile, information from "Der Spiegel" suggests that the 50-year-old "stayed several times at the Maritim hotel in Magdeburg" during November and December.
"According to security sources, he may have been preparing for the attack there," it reads.
Reactions from authorities
Saxony-Anhalt Premier Reiner Haseloff expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and offered condolences to the victims' families. He emphasised that the authorities would do everything possible to clarify the circumstances of the dramatic event. Local authorities assure the public that residents' safety is a priority.
The attack in Magdeburg has shaken the local community and all of Germany. Authorities are calling for calm and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
The investigation into this matter is ongoing, and the police are examining all circumstances of the incident.
Source: PAP / "Der Spiegel" / WP Wiadomości
