New details emerge about the Christmas market attacker: First tip-off was made last year

It has been reported that a tip-off was made to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) last year regarding the suspect who carried out the vehicle attack on the Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg.

In a statement made on BAMF's X account, it was stated, "In late summer of last year, our office received a tip-off via social media channels regarding the person suspected of being responsible for the attack in Magdeburg. Like many other leads, this one was also taken seriously."

The statement noted that BAMF is not an investigative authority, and that the informant was directed to the relevant authorities.

The statement requested understanding that no further comments could be made regarding individual cases.

Holger Münch, who has served as President of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) for 10 years, confirmed in a statement to ZDF television that the BKA received a tip-off in November 2023 regarding a male Saudi Arabian citizen.

Münch pointed out that an investigation was launched following the tip-off, stating, "Following this, the Saxony-Anhalt police also took the necessary investigative measures. (The Saudi Arabian individual reported) also had various contacts with public officials, including insults and sometimes threats directed at them. However, he was not known for violent crimes."

In the attack carried out by Saudi Arabian citizen Talib al-Abdulmohsen on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, 5 people, including a 9-year-old child, lost their lives, and more than 200 people were injured.