Truck runs into Christmas market in Berlin; kills 12
20 Dec 2016 |
| A busy Christmas market in Berlin on Monday was run into by a lorry which killed 12 people and left approximately 48 injured.
Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said, "I don't want to use the word 'attack' yet, although there are many things pointing to one."
The incident reminded people of a truck attack in the French Riviera city of Nice.
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Where did this happen?
Where |
| The incident occurred at Breitscheidplatz, a popular tourist destination near Kurfuerstendamm Boulevard, a famous shopping street.
At this time of year, there are over 100 stalls in this market which sell traditional decorations, a variety of festive food and drinks as well as toys for children.
The truck drove nearly 250 feet in to the Christmas market that was bustling with locals and tourists.
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What we know about the truck driver?
Details |
| The man driving the truck reportedly hijacked it late in the afternoon.
According to the Polish owner of the truck, the original driver was his 37-year old cousin; a body found in the truck is believed to be his.
German police are investigating on the assumption that this was a deliberate attack.
Preliminary investigation suggested the driver is an asylum-seeker from Pakistan or Afghanistan.
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'Suspected terrorist attack'
FACT |
| The German police tweeted: "All police measures related to the suspected terrorist attack at Breitscheidplatz are progressing at full steam and with the necessary diligence." |
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Events that followed post-attack
Details |
| Immediately, ambulances and armed officers rushed to the scene of the incident.
Witnesses at the Christmas market gave a detailed description of the driver of the truck who was seen exiting the vehicle after it halted; German officials arrested a suspect 2 kilometres from there.
According to Heiko Maas, German justice-minister, stated that federal prosecutors who handle "terrorism" cases, would take over this investigation.
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Recent attack on Christmas market
FACT |
| Just 4 days ago, a 12-year-old German-Iraqi boy was arrested for trying to 'bomb a Christmas market' in Ludwigshafen with a jar of explosive material and nails. The bomb failed to detonate. He was reportedly inspired by terror group ISIS. |
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Reactions from everywhere
Who said what |
| French and Czech authorities have indicated that in light of this incident, they will be increasing security.
US President-elect Donald Trump said "Islamic terrorism" was responsible for this incident.
The White House in a statement condemned "what appears to have been a terrorist attack" in Berlin.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesperson said, "We mourn the dead and hope the many injured can be helped."
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Arrest in Berlin market attack
20 Dec 2016 |
| German police have arrested a suspect for driving a 7-tonne truck into a Christmas market in Berlin.
The arrested has been identified as 23-year old Naved B., an asylum seeker from Pakistan who entered Germany on December 31, 2015.
Naved was reportedly under police's radar for petty crimes.
Soon after the attack, police questioned 4 people at an asylum shelter but were not arrested.
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Christmas market attacker still absconding
20 Dec 2016 |
| In a surprising development, the German police now believe that the Pakistani asylum-seeker, Naved B., arrested for allegedly driving a truck into the Christmas market, is not the attacker.
Senior German Police officer said, "We have the wrong man. The true perpetrator is still armed, at large and can cause fresh damage."
Reportedly, the arrested suspect has denied all involvement in the attack.
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Berlin attack suspect's family questioned by Tunisia police
22 Dec 2016 |
| Anis Amri is the prime suspect in the attack on the Berlin Christmas market; his family was questioned by Tunisian anti-terrorism police.
The attack claimed by terror group ISIS killed 12 people.
Amri's parents, his four sisters and one brother were being questioned.
A reward of 100,000 euros is being offered by the federal prosecutor's office in Germany for any information on him.
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Brothers of Berlin attack suspect dive into details
23 Dec 2016 |
| After joining immigrants who crossed the Mediterranean Sea, Berlin attack suspect Anis Amri landed up in an Italian jail.
His brothers Walid and Abdelkader fear that Amri may have been radicalized by radical Islamists in the 4 years he spent behind bars.
Abdelkader said, "He went into prison with one mentality and when he came out he had a totally different mentality."
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