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A suspected attack in Munich on Thursday left at least 28 people injured, some seriously, when a car driven by an Afghan asylum seeker ploughed into a crowd. The incident occurred just hours before major international leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, were set to arrive in the city for the highly anticipated Munich Security Conference.
The attack unfolded when a white car, which had been approaching police vehicles escorting a demonstration of striking workers, suddenly accelerated and crashed into the crowd. A police spokesperson confirmed that at least 28 people were injured, with several suffering from serious injuries. A shot was fired at the driver by officers, though it was unclear if the suspect had been wounded in the process.
Authorities swiftly detained the 24-year-old driver, but his motive remains unclear. Bavaria’s state premier, Markus Soeder, commented that authorities believe it was likely an intentional attack.
The Driver and His Background
The suspect, whose asylum application had been rejected, was identified as a 24-year-old Afghan national. He had been known to police for minor offences, including drug-related crimes and shoplifting. Despite his asylum request being denied, he had not been deported due to ongoing security concerns in Afghanistan. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann provided these details and clarified that there was no current link to terrorism or other organized criminal activity.
The suspect’s background quickly became a focal point in the heated political climate in Germany, particularly ahead of the upcoming federal election. Immigration and security concerns have dominated political discourse, with many politicians linking the incident to broader debates about asylum seekers and border control.
Political Reactions and Election Impact
The attack has intensified the ongoing political debate over immigration in Germany, especially as the country approaches its federal election on February 23. Security and safety have become central themes in the campaign, with conservative candidates, particularly Friedrich Merz, leading the charge on law and order.
Merz, a frontrunner for the position of Chancellor, called for strict enforcement of law and order, emphasizing the need to restore safety in Germany. He posted on social media, declaring, “We will enforce law and order. Everyone must feel safe in our country again. Something has to change in Germany.”
Merz’s stance on immigration has garnered support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has capitalized on the attack to push for stricter immigration policies. Alice Weidel, the AfD’s co-leader, highlighted the fact that the attacker was an Afghan asylum seeker, urging for a “migration turnaround” and calling for immediate action on immigration reform.
In contrast, Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack and emphasized that the perpetrator must be held accountable. He said the attacker should face severe punishment and be deported from the country. Scholz’s position reflects the growing divide in German politics over immigration policies and their impact on security.
A Nation in Shock
The scene at the location of the attack was chaotic, with personal belongings scattered across the street. Witnesses described the horrifying moment when the car, a white Mini Cooper, veered between police vehicles and sped into the crowd. One bystander who witnessed the incident from an office window recounted the shocking event, stating that the car accelerated quickly and hit multiple people in the demonstration.
Another witness, who had been near the scene, corroborated the account, adding that the car hit several individuals as it moved through the crowd. The demonstration was organized by Verdi, the public sector workers’ union, whose leader, Frank Werneke, expressed shock over the attack but was unable to provide further details.
Despite the timing of the attack, which occurred just hours before the Munich Security Conference, Bavarian officials have stated that they do not suspect any link between the incident and the conference, which is set to begin the following day.
Security Concerns in the Run-Up to the Munich Security Conference
As Munich prepares for the arrival of global leaders for the Munich Security Conference, the attack has reignited concerns about security in the city. The presence of high-profile figures, including Vice President Vance and President Zelensky, has raised the stakes for authorities to ensure the safety of attendees and citizens alike.
The attack has further fueled the growing concerns over public safety and the handling of immigration policies, as tensions rise in Germany ahead of the election. Many are questioning whether enough is being done to prevent such incidents, particularly as public safety remains a top priority for voters.
