BERLIN — Authorities in Germany are still searching for answers after a deadly vehicle attack in Leipzig left two people dead and six others wounded, with investigators revealing the suspect had recently undergone psychiatric treatment.
A 33-year-old German citizen was taken into custody Monday afternoon after officials say he deliberately drove his vehicle hundreds of meters through a crowded shopping district in the city center. The attack claimed the lives of a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, both German nationals, while six additional victims sustained injuries, with two in serious condition.
The man now faces charges of murder and attempted murder as authorities work to determine what drove him to carry out what they believe was an intentional attack. However, investigators have found no indication of political or religious extremism behind the violence.
Law enforcement and prosecutors released a statement indicating the suspect had previously drawn official attention this year due to threatening behavior and “defamatory offenses.” Officials revealed that police responded to a call from the man on April 17, after which he voluntarily entered a specialized medical facility for treatment of his “psychological condition.” His hospital stay lasted until the previous Wednesday.
According to the statement, the suspect had no prior criminal record and faced no other pending legal matters. Saxony state’s social affairs ministry confirmed that during his treatment period, medical staff determined he presented no risk to himself or others, and there were no medical grounds to prevent his discharge, according to German news agency dpa.
