On February 13, 2025, Munich was shaken by a harrowing incident when a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker deliberately drove his car through a crowd at a trade union demonstration, injuring at least 28 people. Among the victims, several are reported to be critically injured.
The protest, organized by the Verdi trade union, took place near Königsplatz, with participants advocating for improved wages and conditions for childcare workers. Participants were taken by surprise when the suspect, identified as Farhad N., accelerated his white Mini Cooper, overtook police vehicles escorting the demonstration, and plowed directly to the end of the protest.
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder described the incident as “suspected to be an attack,” during a press conference where he expressed his outrage and called for urgent changes to Germany’s security policies. “We cannot keep moving from attack to attack without making changes. Something has to change in Germany, quickly,” he asserted.
Eyewitnesses recounted terrifying moments, with one spectator recalling the chilling sound of engines roaring and wheels spinning as the car surged forward. The chaotic scene left the street scattered with shoes, glasses, and other belongings as police quickly responded, firing shots at the vehicle during the chaos.
Munich’s Mayor Dieter Reiter expressed his shock, stating, “I’m deeply shocked. My thoughts are with the injured.” The swift actions by police potentially prevented even greater casualties, as many members of the city’s workforce, including municipal employees, were actively participating in the demonstration.
The perpetrator, known to authorities for prior offenses related to drug use and shoplifting, had his asylum application rejected but could not be deported due to concerns over safety if returned to Afghanistan. This has raised broader questions about immigration safety policies, particularly with the focus on the upcoming national elections on February 23.
Reports indicate the suspect had also displayed Islamist sentiments on social media, prompting investigations by counter-terrorism units to determine whether the incident was connected to extremist motivations. Authorities have yet to confirm if it was linked to the simultaneous Munich Security Conference, which was drawing international leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Frank Werneke, the chairman of the Verdi union, voiced the union's collective grief, stating, “This is a difficult moment for all colleagues. We unions stand for solidarity, especially in such a dark hour.” The trade union had been actively calling for more competitive pay after the employers failed to reach agreeable terms during negotiations.
The attack has reignited debates surrounding immigration policies and the liberal stance adopted by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government, which is under increasing pressure to act decisively against violence associated with immigration. Söder's remarks echoed sentiments from conservative factions about the need for significant policy change, with political competitors increasingly vocal about stricter immigration guidelines.
The response from law enforcement continues as they conduct investigations around the incident scene, establishing witness collection points for those affected. Emergency services have set up care centers for those psychologically impacted by the incident, aiming to provide immediate support to the communities traumatized by the attack.
This shocking event marks yet another tragedy amid rising fears concerning extremist actions within Germany. Authorities are poised to analyze the circumstances and background of the 24-year-old suspect as they work to understand the motivations behind his actions and whether this incident is part of larger security concerns faced by the country.
Meanwhile, as the Munich community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating occurrence, discussions are ramping up on measures to improve public safety to prevent such attacks from happening again. With many citizens expressing fear and disillusionment, it is evident the need for clear and effective policy reforms is more pressing than ever.