Tributes are being paid to nine-year-old André Gleissner, who tragically lost his life during an attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening. A car plowed into a crowd of shoppers, killing five people and injuring over 200, some critically.
Among the deceased were four women, aged 45, 52, 67, and 75. The victims’ identities, other than André’s, have not yet been made public.
Remembering André Gleissner
André, fondly described by his mother as her “little teddy bear,” was a member of the children’s fire brigade in Warle, a youth organization fostering interest in firefighting. The brigade released a heartfelt statement, expressing their condolences and offering support to his family.
The Lower Saxony youth fire brigade also shared a tribute, stating, “We stand by his family and friends during this difficult time.”
An online fundraiser launched to support André’s family has raised over €60,000, showcasing the community’s solidarity during this tragedy.
Attack Details and Ongoing Investigation
The attack occurred at around 7:00 PM local time, with the car entering the market via an emergency vehicle access lane. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as they scrambled to evade the speeding vehicle.
The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, was apprehended after returning to the road and being stopped in traffic. Local media revealed that al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi-born psychiatrist who arrived in Germany in 2006, acted alone. Authorities have yet to confirm a motive but are investigating warnings from Saudi authorities regarding his extremist views.
Public Outcry and Questions of Security
The incident has sparked anger and grief in Germany, with questions mounting about the effectiveness of preemptive security measures. The Saudi foreign ministry claims to have alerted German authorities last year about the suspect’s potential danger.
This devastating attack has cast a shadow over the festive season in Magdeburg, leaving the community to grapple with loss and uncertainty.
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