'Suicidal Empathy': Elon Musk reacts to Germany's decision not to extradite Saudi suspect

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and soon-to-be adviser to US President-elect Donald Trump, has called on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign following a tragic attack at a German Christmas market. Germany's refusal to extradite the Saudi Arabian suspect behind the attack has sparked Musk's criticism, labeling the decision as 'suicidal empathy.'

On Friday, Musk responded on social media platform X to a post suggesting that Europe must abandon its 'suicidal empathy' policy, to which he simply said, "yes." He further demanded Scholz's immediate resignation, calling him an "incompetent fool."

The incident involved a car ramming into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, resulting in five deaths, including a 9-year-old child, and injuries to over 60 others. The suspect, Taleb A., a Saudi national, was arrested at the scene. City official Ronni Krug reported that 200 people were injured, with 41 in serious condition.

Eyewitness Thi Linh Chi Nguyen, a manicurist from Vietnam, described the chaotic scene, initially mistaking the loud bangs for fireworks before realizing a car was plowing through the market.

The market remained cordoned off, with heightened security and police presence, reflecting the city's state of alert.

Who is Taleb A.?

The suspect, identified as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy, has lived in Germany since 2006. Prosecutors are investigating him for murder, attempted murder, and bodily harm. German media reported his background as a former Muslim, critical of Islam and supportive of far-right ideologies, particularly the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Taleb's social media activity included anti-Islam rhetoric and support for Saudi women fleeing their homeland. Recently, he expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment of Saudi refugees in Germany, which may have influenced his motives, although investigators are still examining evidence to determine the exact reason behind the attack.

The attack has led several German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets in solidarity with Magdeburg, while Berlin has increased police presence at its markets. Germany's recent history of extremist attacks, including the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack, underscores the ongoing security concerns during public events.