MUNICH, Germany, Feb 13 – A tragic incident unfolded in Munich on Thursday when a vehicle rammed into a crowd, leaving at least 28 people injured. The driver, identified as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, was immediately taken into custody at the scene. Authorities are treating the incident as a likely attack, raising fresh security concerns just ahead of the highly anticipated Munich Security Conference.
The Incident Unfolds
The vehicle, a Mini Cooper, approached a police checkpoint near a demonstration organized by the Verdi trade union before suddenly accelerating into a group of people. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as individuals were struck and thrown to the ground.
Law enforcement officers stationed nearby reacted swiftly, firing one shot before apprehending the suspect. A witness who observed the event from a nearby office building recounted that the car maneuvered between stationary police vehicles before speeding toward the crowd. Another bystander reported that multiple people were hit as the car surged forward.
Victims and Injuries
Paramedics and rescue teams rushed to the scene to assist the wounded and provide medical care. Among the 28 casualties, several individuals sustained critical injuries, though exact details on their conditions have yet to be confirmed. Shockingly, children were also among those hurt, according to Munich’s mayor, Dieter Reiter, who expressed his deep distress over the incident.
Authorities established a temporary support center at the historic Loewenbraeukeller beer hall, where witnesses and victims could seek help and share their accounts with investigators.
Security Concerns Rise
The timing of the incident has heightened concerns, as the Munich Security Conference—an annual gathering of top global leaders—was set to begin the following day. High-profile figures, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, were scheduled to attend.
Despite the proximity of the attack site to the conference venue, Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann stated that there is currently no evidence linking the event to the security summit. However, Markus Söder, Bavaria’s state premier, emphasized that available information strongly suggests the act was intentional.
Investigating the Motive
Authorities have launched an extensive investigation to determine whether the crash was premeditated or an accident. While officials have yet to confirm a clear motive, the suspect’s background is under scrutiny. Reports indicate that he was previously known to law enforcement for minor offenses, including shoplifting and drug-related violations.
Local media sources also suggest that there may have been a second individual in the car at the time of the incident. According to eyewitness accounts, police fired at one of the individuals before carrying him away. However, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation until further details emerge.
Political and Public Reactions
The shocking nature of the event has drawn strong reactions from both political figures and the general public. Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter conveyed his deep sorrow, particularly over reports that children were among the injured. Verdi union leader Frank Werneke also expressed his distress, stating that the demonstration had been peaceful before the sudden and violent attack.
As investigations continue, law enforcement remains on high alert to ensure public safety, particularly with the security conference underway. The tragic incident has once again brought discussions on security, immigration, and public safety into the spotlight, just days ahead of Germany’s upcoming federal elections.
Conclusion
As Munich grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event, authorities are working diligently to uncover the full details behind the attack. While immediate threats have been contained, the broader implications of the incident remain under analysis. With heightened security concerns and international attention focused on the city, the investigation’s findings will be critical in understanding the motives behind this tragic event.