A 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker was arrested after ramming a car into a crowd during a trade union demonstration in Munich on Thursday, injuring at least 30 people, some critically. Authorities have labeled the incident as an “attack,” heightening tensions in Germany ahead of the February 23 elections.
The incident occurred just before the annual Munich Security Conference, where international leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are set to discuss global security challenges.
The Attack
The suspect, identified by German media as Farhad N., drove a Mini Cooper into the demonstration, leaving victims and their belongings scattered across the street. Shoes, glasses, and even an infant stroller were seen among the wreckage.
Witness Alexa Graef, who saw the attack unfold, said, “The car drove straight into the crowd, and it looked deliberate. I hope I never have to see something like this again.”
Police Response and Arrest
Police fired a shot at the car before arresting the suspect, who lived in Munich. Investigators found “indications of an extremist motive” and have handed the case over to regional prosecutors. Reports suggest that the attacker may have posted Islamist content online before the attack.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, calling it “awful” and promising swift action. “This attacker cannot count on any mercy. He must be punished and must leave the country,” Scholz stated.
Previous Attacks and Political Fallout
The attack has further intensified Germany’s ongoing debate on immigration and security, particularly regarding asylum seekers.
- In December 2023, a Saudi national killed six people by driving into a Christmas market in Magdeburg.
- In January 2024, a 28-year-old Afghan man with a history of mental illness stabbed a two-year-old boy in Aschaffenburg.
These incidents have led the opposition CDU/CSU alliance to push for stricter immigration laws and faster deportations. Bavaria’s state premier Markus Soeder called for immediate action, saying, “We must show determination that something will change in Germany.”
Germany’s Stance on Deportations
The German government has been under pressure to enforce deportations, especially after a deadly knife attack by a Syrian national. While some Afghans were deported in August 2023, no further deportations have taken place. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser vowed to increase deportations, despite Afghanistan being a “very difficult country.”
Security Conference and Global Concerns
The attack comes just as Munich hosts the annual Security Conference, where world leaders will discuss global threats, including the Ukraine-Russia war.
Sources By Agencies
