Police Chief: Perpetrator's Behavior in Maagdenburg Market Attack 'Does Not Fit Into Pattern'

maagdenburg - The police chief stated that the man who drove into a Christmas market in Maagdenburg on Friday exhibited 'atypical' behavior that 'did not fit into a pattern'.

The police chief also confirmed that in 2023, a tip came from Saudi Arabia regarding the suspect, leading to an investigation being opened and the police conducting 'an appropriate inquiry'.

It was revealed on Saturday that the 50-year-old Saudi national was dissatisfied with how Germany treated refugees from Saudi Arabia, but also that he was Islamophobic and a supporter of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The police were familiar with the man. 'He had various contacts with authorities, made insults and occasional threats, but was not known for violent actions,' Münch said to ZDF.

The police chief stated that now everything needs to be reassessed and that security authorities must determine if they missed anything. 'But again, we have a completely atypical pattern here,' Münch said.

An arrest warrant has been issued against the 50-year-old Taleb A., the police announced early Sunday morning. He is to remain in custody awaiting investigation for five counts of murder and attempted murder.