Car Plows Into Crowd in Munich, Injuring Dozens Ahead of Security Conference

MUNICH, Germany — At least 28 people were injured, including children, when a car veered into a crowd during a union demonstration in Munich on Thursday morning. Police confirmed that the driver, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, has been arrested amid suspicions of an intentional attack.

Witnesses reported the vehicle, a Mini Cooper, accelerated before crashing into the crowd just past 10:30 a.m. local time, shortly after overtaking a police vehicle in the vicinity of the Verdi trade union rally. Eyewitness Alexa described the scene, stating, “People ran for cover, it was fast enough to pull 10 to 15 people to the ground.”

The Munich police, who initially responded to the chaos, stated that they believe the crash is not connected to the Munich Security Conference, which is set to begin tomorrow and will host several world leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for stringent punishment for the suspect, stating, “This perpetrator cannot hope for any leniency. He must be punished, and he must leave the country.”

Local outlet BR24 reported some of the injured were employees of the Munich city administration, raising concerns about the nature of the demonstration where family members were present. Munich’s Deputy Mayor Dominik Krause labeled the incident “heinous.”

In a statement at a press conference, Bavaria’s state premier Markus Söder described the event as a “suspected attack” and emphasized the need for urgent changes in regulations regarding migration and security policy in Germany.

The investigation has since been taken over by Bavaria’s Central Office for Combating Extremism and Terrorism after indications emerged that the suspect might have had connections to extremist activities. Authorities confirmed that the suspect had been previously known to law enforcement for theft and drug offenses.

Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene, deploying rescue helicopters to assist the injured. At least two individuals were reported to be in serious condition, with officials expressing concern over the potential for life-threatening injuries.

The area surrounding the attack has been cordoned off, with a damaged Mini Cooper at the center of the investigation. Witness reports recount a scene of chaos as demonstrators sought refuge in nearby shops and buildings.

The broader context of this incident highlights an ongoing debate about migration and national security in Germany, particularly in light of a series of violent attacks involving immigrants in recent years. The incident has reignited discussions as the nation approaches its federal elections scheduled for February 23.

Onlookers described feelings of distress and disbelief, noting the trauma of witnessing such violence in what was intended to be a peaceful demonstration. One university student remarked, “It is obviously very unsettling. I can’t concentrate on anything else.”