A vehicle drove into a crowd during a demonstration in Munich, injuring over 20 people. The 24-year-old driver, an Afghan asylum seeker, is under investigation, with indications that his asylum application may have been denied. Authorities are examining the incident, which occurred amid heightened security during the Munich Security Conference, though no direct link has been established. Officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have condemned the attack, calling for strict penalties and potential deportation for the driver.
Car Incident at Munich Demonstration: A Shocking Event
A distressing incident unfolded in Munich when a vehicle drove into a crowd participating in a demonstration, leading to over 20 injuries. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder described the occurrence as “presumably an attack,” highlighting the severity of the situation.
The driver, a 24-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan, is currently under investigation. According to Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, it appears that the driver’s asylum application has “presumably” been denied. However, he remains in the country as deportation is not feasible at this time.
Authorities Respond and Investigate
The individual involved has a history of minor offenses, including drug-related violations and shoplifting. Notably, he was not previously flagged as an extremist by security agencies, as stated by terrorism expert Michael Götschenberg. The Bavarian Central Office for Extremism and Terrorism is now overseeing the investigation into this alarming incident.
The timing of this incident coincides with the Munich Security Conference, prompting heightened security measures in the city, although officials do not currently suspect a connection to the conference. Herrmann noted that the demonstration’s participants were likely targeted at random.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has condemned the act, asserting that the perpetrator should face strict repercussions and must be expelled from Germany. He emphasized that those who commit crimes will face severe penalties and potential deportation, regardless of the challenges involved in repatriation.
Mayor Dieter Reiter expressed deep concern, calling it a “bitter day for Munich” and hoping for the swift recovery of the injured. The demonstration was part of ongoing strikes and rallies regarding public service collective bargaining.
In response to the incident, the police have established a witness collection point and are urging individuals to share any relevant videos or images through a dedicated platform. The incident occurred at Stiglmaierplatz around 10:30 AM during a ver.di event, marking a tragic moment in the city.