BERLIN - Tensions over Germany’s large migrant community reignited after authorities detained an asylum-seeker from Pakistan in connection with the deadly truck attack that killed at least 12 and injured nearly 50 at a bustling Christmas market Monday.
Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has faced criticism for opening Germany’s borders to more Middle Eastern refugees than any other European nation during the current crisis, said it must be assumed that the incident outside Berlin’s Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was a “terrorist attack” and was quick to acknowledge the possibility that an individual who entered the country under the guise of seeking refuge might be responsible.
“I know that it would be particularly hard for us all to bear if it were confirmed that a person committed this act had asked for protection and asylum in Germany,” Merkel said on Tuesday. “This would be particularly sickening for the many, many Germans who work to help refugees every day and for the many people who really need our help and are making an effort to integrate in our country.”
The Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement later Tuesday, saying, “the person who carried out the truck run over attack in Berlin is a soldier of the Islamic State and carried out the attack in response to calls for targeting citizens of the Crusader coalition.” (AP)