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Germany Opens Probe Against Christmas Market Attack Suspect

  German prosecutors have launched an investigation into the suspect in the deadly gun attack at a Christmas market in eastern France, a spokesman for … Continue reading Germany Opens Probe Against Christmas Market Attack Suspect


An armed German policeman stands guard during a control of motorists at the Franco-German border in Kehl, on December 13, 2018, as part of the hunt for the gunman who killed three people and injured 13 others in an attack on Strasbourg’s Christmas market. SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP
An armed German policeman stands guard during a control of motorists at the Franco-German border in Kehl, on December 13, 2018, as part of the hunt for the gunman who killed three people and injured 13 others in an attack on Strasbourg’s Christmas market. SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP

 

German prosecutors have launched an investigation into the suspect in the deadly gun attack at a Christmas market in eastern France, a spokesman for the service said Thursday.

Cherif Chekatt, 29, is under investigation for alleged murder, attempted murder and grievous bodily harm, Markus Schmitt, a spokesman for German prosecutors said, confirming a report in the Tagesspiegel daily.

The German probe runs in parallel with the French investigation, Schmitt added.

Chekatt was jailed for burglary in Germany in 2016 but was not deemed a potentially dangerous Islamist, German authorities said Wednesday.

Even though Tuesday evening’s attack took place on French soil, several German nationals were present at the site during the assault. They were not wounded but they suffered shock.

The gunman opened fire at the famed Strasbourg Christmas market, which draws thousands of visitors every year.

The attack left three dead and 13 injured, according to the latest toll given by the French authorities.

German police have tightened border checks over fears that the suspect may have crossed over from neighbouring France.

AFP