Germany Grapples With Questions Over Suspect After ‘Act of Terrorism’ at Berlin Holiday Market
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday called the deadly truck rampage through a Berlin Christmas market a likely “act of terrorism,” but questions were raised over the suspect held and possible links to the wave of migrants who have entered Germany.
The suspect in custody, said German Interior Minster Thomas de Maizière, was a Pakistani asylum-seeker detained late Monday. The man denied any involvement in the assault that left the festive market wood-splintered and bloodstained, authorities said.
Berlin Police Chief Klaus Kandt, however, warned that it was “uncertain” if the man in custody was the perpetrator, and authorities asked the public to “stay alert.” Germany’s general prosecutor added: “We need to consider that he was not the perpetrator.”
The statements raised the alarming prospect that the assailant — who killed 12 and left 52 injured — might still be at large.
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