Original story: 7/18/16
A man wielding an axe boarded a train in Germany and attacked 18 passengers. The attacker was a 17 year old refugee from Afghanistan. At the time of the attack, he shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’. German security forces shot and killed him at the scene. Research into the teen’s background showed that he identified with ISIS and a search of his apartment revealed an ISIS flag. He also recorded video on social media praising the caliphate. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack. Two men from Hong Kong and a local lady are in critical condition. Source: The Mirrour: Germany train axe attack: Live updates as 18 injured after teenage refugee shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ and hacked passengers
Update: 7/20/16: Attacker identified
Muhammad Riyadh is identified as the 17-year old attacker. He entered Germany as an unaccompanied minor from Afghanistan; however, he may have ties to Pakistan also. The teen recently moved from a refugee center to a foster family. The family stated the boy was quiet and worked at a local bakery. Investigators have searched Riyadh’s apartment. Other than the ISIS flag, there was no evidence of a concrete connection between the teen and ISIS. Source: BBC: German train stabbing: De Maziere warns of lone attacks
Update: 7/22/16: Attacker’s phone & social media lead to clues
The attacker tried to destroy his phone’s SIM card likely using the same ax used to attack the passengers. Riyadh arrived in Germany via Austria on June 29, 2015. At the time, he was arrested because he did not have a passport. His fingerprints were taken; he was not known to police. Riyadh had not yet gone through the asylum process. Investigators identified two Facebook profiles connected to him that contained thousands of pages of information. Reuters: German train attacker tried to destroy SIM card: Spiegel Magazine
Update: 8/06/16: Saudi Arabia & Germany form partnership
Saudi Arabia will share information with German authorities to investigate the Islamist attacks in Ansbach and Wurzburg (where the train attack occurred). A senior member of the Saudi government said they would do all they could to clarify the backgrounds of the attacks. It was believe the attackers were in contact with the Islamic State. Source: DW: Saudi Arabia to aid German investigators over attacks: Report
