"There are many things that we still don't know for sure but we must, as things stand, assume that it was a terrorist attack." The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, said today about the massacre last night in Berlin.
Police explained that the man found dead in the truck was a Polish citizen, but added that he did not have control of the vehicle. However, it is not clear what the nationality of the alleged driver is, who escaped and was later arrested. German media, citing local security sources, say the man arrested could be Afghan or Pakistani and that he entered Germany in February as a refugee.
“I know that it would be particularly difficult for everyone to bear if it were confirmed that the person who made this gesture was seeking protection and asylum – added Merkel – But we do not want to live paralyzed by fear and evil. We will continue to support and give support to people who ask to integrate into our country. Even if it is difficult in these hours, we will find the strength to live as we wish in Germany, free, together and open".
Local broadcaster Rbb, citing security sources, said the arrested driver had entered Germany from Passau, a city on the border with Austria, on December 31, 2015; he would be a man born in Pakistan in 1993 and already known to the police for minor crimes. The German newspaper Bild writes, citing investigative sources, that the alleged driver is a 23-year-old Pakistani, Naved B., who arrived in Germany about a year ago.
Meanwhile, this morning the special forces of the police carried out a blitz in a hangar of the disused Tempelhof airport, in Berlin, which now houses a reception center for refugees. This was reported by the German magazine Focus. But there is already a twist in the investigation: the Pakistani arrested by the police would be the wrong man, while the bomber is still on the run and armed.
