US president offers condolences after attack on German Christmas market

ISTANBUL

US President Joe Biden Saturday expressed his “deepest condolences” over a deadly attack on a Christmas market in Germany’s city of Magdeburg.

“No community—and no family—should have to endure such a despicable and dark event, especially just days before a holiday of joy and peace,” Biden said.

Biden assured Germany that the US would provide any support needed in response to the attack, saying: “The United States will always stand with our Allies against violent terror.”

“In the coming days, we will keep all those injured or killed—and their beloved families—close in our hearts,” he added.

The suspect who drove into a crowd of people at a Christmas market, killing five people and injuring more than 200 others, is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor described as anti-Islam, and a supporter of far-right and Zionism.

German media has named the person as Talib A, who knocked over dozens of people on Friday evening before being arrested by police.

The suspect came to Germany in 2006 and had been working as a psychiatrist in Bernburg, south of Magdeburg.​​​​​​​