A driver plowed through demonstrators during a labor union strike in Munich on Thursday, injuring at least 30 people, including children, as authorities investigate the incident as a suspected attack.
This alarming event occurred shortly before world leaders were set to convene for the Munich Security Conference, raising immediate security concerns. The suspect, identified as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker, was arrested on the scene. Munich police director, Christian Huber, confirmed the suspect's arrest and stated, "The police president has informed me about the incident, describing it as deeply shocking for the city."
The protest was organized by the Verdi union, representing local childcare services workers, and aimed to draw attention to stalled wage negotiations. Around 10:30 AM, the suspect reportedly drove his Mini Cooper straight at the demonstrators, who were gathered near the central train station, overrunning a police vehicle before accelerating toward the crowd. Eyewitness accounts indicate police fired at the vehicle during the chaos. One witness described their ordeal, saying, "I saw someone lying underneath the car. I tried to open the door, but it was locked. Eventually, I retreated and helped those who were injured."
Among the injured, several sustained serious injuries, with local officials noting the presence of children among the victims. Bavarian governor Markus Söder expressed his dismay, stating, "We pray for the victims and hope they recover soon. It is suspected to be an attack — much points to this fact." Mayor Dieter Reiter echoed these sentiments, saying he was "deeply shaken" by the events.
Authorities have since emphasized their commitment to security, especially with the upcoming international conference. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann noted, "While we are reinforcing security measures throughout the city, we do not believe this incident is directly connected to the Munich Security Conference. Nevertheless, we are investigating the motive thoroughly."
The incident adds to growing concerns over migration and crime as Germany approaches its February 23 election. Recent months have seen heightened scrutiny of immigration policies, particularly following several violent incidents involving immigrants. Mayor Reiter's comments reflect the growing concern within the city, as he stated, "We cannot continue to see these types of occurrences. My thoughts are with the injured, and we must work toward ensuring this doesn’t happen again."
This sentiment is echoed by conservative political leaders, including Söder and others from the opposition, who have been vocal about tightening immigration controls and request for more rigorous border enforcement. They argue, "This is more evidence demonstrating the urgent need for policy changes around migration and security." The far-right Alternative for Germany party called for immediate reforms, with co-leader Alice Weidel declaring on social media, "Is this supposed to carry on forever? Migration turnaround now!"
On the other side of the political spectrum, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left government defended existing migration policies, arguing they have already taken significant steps to address irregular migration. Scholz deemed the incident "a terrible attack" and promised repercussive actions against any accepted criminals. He mentioned their efforts to deport convicted individuals, including Afghan nationals, as part of their strategy.
Looking back at recent trends, this incident isn't isolated. Just weeks earlier, the murder of two individuals by another Afghan asylum-seeker triggered widespread outrage and calls for political accountability. That attack, coupled with the Munich car crash, has amplified the need for effective discussions on migration policies. The social fabric of Germany is under scrutiny, as public opinion sways toward greater caution surrounding immigration and its socio-political impacts.
This is certainly a developing story, and as Munich residents reflect on the incident, their thoughts will linger on the injured and the questions this attack raises about security and immigration policy in the country.