Tributes have poured in for André Gleissner, a nine-year-old boy tragically killed in a violent attack at a German Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday evening.
André, who was part of the local children’s fire brigade in Warle, died after a car ploughed into a crowd of shoppers at the popular holiday market. The attack, which took place around 7:00 PM local time, also claimed the lives of four women aged 45, 52, 67, and 75.
A social media post, reportedly from André’s mother, described her son as “my little teddy bear,” adding that he would “always live in our hearts.”
In a show of solidarity, the fire department in nearby Schöppenstedt, where André had been an active member, paid tribute to the young boy. The children’s fire brigade, a youth organization open to kids aged 6 to 12, expressed deep condolences, emphasizing that their thoughts were with André’s family during this tragic time.
“The children’s fire brigade and our entire community are mourning his loss. We will continue to support his family,” said a statement from the department. Similarly, the Lower Saxony youth fire brigade, which had also been in contact with André’s family, extended their sympathies and pledged to stand by them in their grief.
As of now, an online fundraiser for André’s family has raised over €60,000 (£49,900), highlighting the outpouring of support from the local and broader community.
The attack left at least 200 people injured, with many in critical condition. Authorities have arrested a 50-year-old man, identified as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi-born psychiatrist who has been living in Germany since 2006. He is currently in custody on charges of five counts of murder, attempted murder, and dangerous bodily harm.
The incident occurred when the suspect drove his car through an emergency vehicle access lane, targeting the crowded market area. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as shoppers fled or hid, while unverified footage showed the vehicle speeding through a pedestrian walkway between market stalls. Police apprehended the suspect when he was forced to stop in traffic after attempting to leave the scene.
Despite the attack’s horrific nature, authorities have yet to confirm the motive, although they believe the driver acted alone. Reports have surfaced that German authorities had been warned by Saudi officials last year that al-Abdulmohsen may pose a security threat due to his extremist views. However, no response was reportedly given by German authorities to the warnings.
The attack has sparked further questions about security at public events in Germany, particularly following the reports of prior warnings about the suspect.
The four women who also lost their lives in the attack have yet to be publicly identified. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, as the country grapples with the shock of yet another tragic attack on civilians.
