At least 28 people were injured Thursday when a car drove through a crowd at a rally organized by the public sector union Verdi in Munich. The incident, which occurred around 10:30 AM local time, is being treated as a targeted attack by German authorities. Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes as the car accelerated through the gathering, injuring protesters, including children, and prompting immediate emergency responses.
The driver, identified as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, was arrested at the scene after police fired shots to halt the vehicle. While authorities confirmed the driver was previously known to police for various minor offenses, including theft and drug-related charges, they are still investigating potential motives related to the attack.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his outrage over the incident, stating, "He must be punished and he must leave the country." Scholz’s comments reflect the political tensions surrounding immigration and security policies just days before Germany's federal elections, intensifying scrutiny on asylum seekers following recent violent incidents.
Bavarian Premier Markus Söder, who arrived at the scene shortly after the attack, characterized the situation as “simply terrible” and emphasized the need for swift changes to Germany’s approach to security. He noted, "When you receive the news, it’s a slap in the face... We sympathize with the victims, but we also need determination to change things quickly," urging for reassessment of the security measures.
People attending the rally described chaotic reactions as they witnessed the car speeding toward them. Many ran for safety, seeking refuge inside nearby shops and buildings. "It’s obviously very unsettling," recalled one student who was present. "I can’t concentrate on anything else." The union expressed deep shock and concern for those injured, underscoring the emotional toll such violence can inflict on communities.
This incident adds to the growing anxiety surrounding public safety as Germany approaches its federal elections on February 23, where issues of immigration and asylum policies have taken center stage. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has capitalized on public fear, calling for stricter immigration policies, including their co-leader Alice Weidel's insistence on immediate action to address migrant issues, stating, "Should this go on forever? Migration turnaround now!"
Critics of current policies, including Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), have echoed similar sentiments, proclaiming, "We will consistently enforce law and order. Everyone must feel safe in our country again. Something has to change in Germany." Such statements resonate with voters who are increasingly concerned about safety amid repeated instances of violence involving asylum seekers.
The Munich Security Conference is set to begin Friday, with prominent leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, due to arrive. The incident has sparked police concerns about security surrounding the event. Authorities have stated there is no known link between the attack and the upcoming conference, but investigations are underway, focusing on the driver’s background and possible extremist ties.
Germany has seen heightened tensions surrounding immigration debates following several recent violent incidents involving asylum seekers. Last December, six people were killed when a car sped through a Christmas market. Earlier this year, two individuals were stabbed to death by yet another Afghan national, emphasizing the urgent need to confront these recurring issues.
Authorities are appealing for witnesses to come forward and provide information or footage related to the incident as investigations continue. The streets of Munich are now under tighter scrutiny as police bolster their presence to restore public confidence and safeguard the community against potential future threats.
With the investigation still underway, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between public safety and the complex issues surrounding immigration and asylum seekers. The outcome of this case and its impact on the socio-political climate remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly intensified the discourse on how Germany handles these challenges moving forward.