A troubling incident unfolded on Thursday morning when a car deliberately drove through a crowd gathered for a demonstration organized by the Verdi union in Munich. The collision resulted in at least 28 injuries, including several serious injuries, with some victims reported to be fighting for their lives.
The driver has been apprehended by police and identified as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker. According to Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, the accused has prior police contacts relating to shoplifting and drug-related offenses. Herrmann noted, "Im Moment geht keine weitere Gefahr von ihm aus," indicating there is no current threat to the public.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene where the suspect allegedly overtook a police vehicle before accelerating directly toward the demonstrators. Many were shocked to see the vehicle, reported to be a Mini Cooper, speeding toward them. Police confirmed they fired shots at the vehicle during the apprehension, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Munich's Mayor Dieter Reiter expressed deep devastation over the incident, stating, "Heute ist ein schwarzer Tag für München," referring to the gravity of the situation and the presence of children among the injured. He urged for immediate support for the victims and their families, emphasizing collective grief and compassion.
The incident occurred during organized strike actions by Verdi, which aimed to address labor and rights issues among public sector employees across Bavaria. Verdi's leadership, including chief Frank Werneke, expressed their sorrow, stating, "Unsere Gedanken sind bei den unschuldigen Opfern und Verletzten sowie ihren Angehörigen." They also called for clarity and justice following this tragic event.
Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister-President, characterized the incident as "mutmaßlich ein Anschlag," hinting at potential underlying motives linked to terrorism. The authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack to determine the intent behind it, though no connections to upcoming events, such as the Munich Security Conference, have been established as of yet.
Security measures have since been heightened across the city, particularly surrounding areas expected to host high-profile international guests for the security conference, scheduled to begin shortly after this incident. This approach anticipates potential escalations and fosters safety during the significant political gathering, which looks to address global security issues.
The police, following the event, have urged the public to avoid speculation and wait for the official investigation to provide answers. Emergency response teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, including children among the casualties, with various clinics, like the LMU Klinikum and Haunersche Kinderspitäler, mobilizing to provide care.
Political responses have echoed through social media, with figures like Robert Habeck, the Green Party's candidate for Chancellor, describing the incident as horrifying and stressing the need for thorough investigations. "Ich bin entsetzt angesichts dieser sinnlosen Tat," he remarked. Other leaders have similarly recognized the gravity of the day, with reoccurring themes of calls for faster investigations and solidarity among citizens.
Eye-catching accounts from the scene paint stark images of the aftermath; among the debris are personal items, including children's belongings, left behind as witnesses grappled with the horror of the moment. The visibility of emergency responders added urgency to the chaotic environment, where multiple ambulances and officers set up around the crash site.
Authorities have promised to explore the incident's motivations carefully, remaining vigilant about the potential dangers posed by individuals with previous criminal records. The Munich public is encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of one another during this challenging time.
Key political leaders, including those from the Union and left-wing parties, are likely to face increasing pressure to address public safety and security against the backdrop of this tragic event. The message from Munich speaks volumes about the risks faced by communities when attacks disrupt civic activities, and as the investigation expands, the region remains united against violence, promising solidarity for the victims.