A tragic car ramming incident in Munich has left 28 people injured, with authorities treating it as a suspected attack. Police confirmed the suspect, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker with a history of theft and drug offenses, was known to law enforcement.
Suspect Arrested After Ramming Trade Union Rally
The suspect accelerated into a trade union rally on Seidlstrasse in central Munich. Witnesses said he sped past a police vehicle guarding the rear of the rally before crashing into the crowd. Police fired one shot at the suspect’s car before arresting him. Authorities have not confirmed reports of a second passenger.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were quickly on the scene. The damaged white Mini Cooper remained at the site, surrounded by emergency workers. Items such as prams, umbrellas, and high-visibility jackets were strewn across the street. The Munich Red Cross and local hospitals treated several victims, including children brought to the rally by their parents.
Witnesses Describe Chaos
Witnesses reported hearing shouting before the crash and saw people running for cover. Many pedestrians took shelter in nearby shops and residential buildings. A student who witnessed the scene described the atmosphere as “distressing” and said it was difficult to focus on anything else.
Police Confirm Suspected Attack
Bavarian State Premier Markus Söder confirmed authorities are treating the incident as a suspected attack. Munich police spokesperson Christian Huber detailed that the car approached the police escort, accelerated, and struck multiple people before being stopped. He confirmed that at least two victims suffered serious injuries.
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Chancellor Demands Strict Punishment
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted strongly to the incident. He stated the suspect “must be punished” and “must leave the country.” Scholz emphasized that if this was indeed an attack, justice must be applied firmly. His remarks reflect heightened concerns about security and migration, especially with an upcoming national election.
Similar Incidents Heighten Security Concerns
Germany has witnessed similar attacks in recent years. In 2016, a Tunisian man drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 13 people. Last year, a Saudi national plowed a car into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing six and injuring 300. These incidents have fueled debates on migration and asylum policy in Germany.
Police Investigate Motive
While authorities do not believe the Munich attack is related to the upcoming Munich Security Conference, they continue to investigate the suspect’s motive. The conference will host key global leaders, including the US Vice President and Ukrainian President.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are still determining the full extent of the injuries and any potential accomplices. The investigation will continue as authorities work to uncover all details surrounding this disturbing incident.
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