Who Is Taleb al Abdulmohsen — Ex-Muslim, Doctor, Anti-Immigration Activist Arrested In Germany Car Attack?

Germany car attack: German police have arrested a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia, suspected of driving a car into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg.

The attack left two people dead and 68 others injured. According to his social media profile, the suspect, identified as Taleb al Abdulmohsen, is an ex-Muslim, a vocal critic of Islam, and a supporter of the far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD), known for its anti-immigration stance.

Photo Credit: X

Taleb, who has resided in Germany since 2006, lives in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, where Magdeburg is located, regional premier Reiner Haseloff confirmed.

A specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy, Taleb is believed to have acted alone in the attack. German media reported that he had rented the BMW used in the incident.

Born in the Saudi Arabian city of Hofuf in 1974, Taleb obtained permanent residency in Germany in 2006 and was recognised as a refugee in 2016. The BBC revealed that he had been unable to express his atheist views in Saudi Arabia, where Islam is the sole legally recognised religion.

After moving to Germany, Taleb established a website, "wearesaudi.net", aimed at assisting ex-Muslims fleeing the Gulf region and providing information for others seeking similar support.

Reports indicate that Taleb is wanted by Saudi authorities on charges of terrorism and smuggling girls from the Middle East to European Union countries. However, Germany refused to extradite him and granted him asylum despite these allegations.

'Lone Wolf Attacker'

Commenting on the incident, which authorities are treating as a terror attack, Premier Haseloff said: "We have arrested the perpetrator, a man from Saudi Arabia, a doctor who has been in Germany since 2006. From what we currently know, he was a lone attacker, so we don't think there is any further danger."

CCTV footage captured the black BMW driving through the Christmas market for over 400 metres, striking multiple individuals just after 7 pm local time on Friday. Another video showed Taleb's arrest, with police shouting: "Lie down, hands on your back, don't move!" at the bearded man wearing glasses, who lay on the ground near the damaged vehicle.

Condemnation from German Leaders

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, stating: "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours."

He is expected to visit the scene in Magdeburg on Saturday, according to Premier Haseloff.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also expressed his grief, writing: "The anticipation of a peaceful Christmas was suddenly interrupted" and noting that "the background to the terrible deed was not yet clarified."

Germany's domestic security agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, had previously issued warnings that Christmas markets could be "ideologically suitable targets for Islamist-motivated people."

Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, condemned the attack, asking: "When will this madness stop?"

Saudi Foreign Ministry Responds

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry released a statement expressing solidarity with Germany, saying: "The Kingdom affirms its position in rejecting violence and expresses its sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany, wishing the injured a speedy recovery."