On February 13, 2025, Munich witnessed a shocking event when a 24-year-old Afghan man drove his Mini Cooper directly through a crowd of protestors, injuring at least 28 people, some of whom are reported to be critically wounded. The incident unfolded at approximately 10:30 AM on Seidlstraße, where the Verdi union was conducting a protest for workers’ rights, calling for pay raises and additional leave days.
The driver, identified as Farhad N., has been previously known to authorities for drug-related offenses and theft. He was seeking asylum in Germany following his arrival from Afghanistan at the end of 2016. Initial police assessments imply this might be classified as a terrorist attack, yet investigations are still pending to establish his intent.
The protest, which involved around 2,500 participants advocating for labor rights, turned catastrophic when the vehicle reportedly dashed past a police car and barreled straight toward the demonstrators. Eyewitnesses detailed horrific scenes, with people screaming and trying to protect each other as the car approached.
Upon hitting the crowd, law enforcement officers responded swiftly. "We are on the scene with significant forces," stated police spokespersons. Gunfire was reported as officers attempted to stop N., who was eventually apprehended following the attack.
Mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, expressed his deep shock over the tragedy. “I am deeply shocked. My thoughts are with the injured,” he said, highlighting the gravity of the situation as many children were among those hurt.
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder also conveyed his sympathies, stating, “We sympathize with all the victims of the attack and pray for the injured and their families.” He noted the significant concerns raised by this incident—particularly selecting the timing right before the Munich Security Conference, where numerous important political figures were set to convene.
"This attack shows we need significant changes to our policies, especially concerning constitutional safety," remarked Nancy Faeser, federal interior minister, hinting at the broader repercussions this event might have on national security protocols.
Following the incident, Verdi union officials reacted with horror, suspending subsequent demonstrations out of respect. While the authorities are still examining the motives behind Farhad N.’s actions, reports surfaced indicating he had previously engaged with extremist content on social media.
The broader political reaction has been one of outrage and calls for decisive actions to prevent future occurrences like this. Politicians across various parties united to express their condolence, pressing for reassured safety measures for the public. The ramifications of this incident are expected to provoke discussions on immigration policies, particularly relating to asylum seekers who may pose security risks.
The Munich vehicle attack serves as somber reminder of the potential dangers faced during public demonstrations and the urgent need for effective measures to protect citizens and maintain order. With the atmosphere tense, officials are now tasked with not only healing the wounds of those affected but also instilling confidence back within the community.