A chaotic scene unfolded in central Munich when a vehicle plowed through a crowd during a peaceful trade union demonstration.
According to ABC News, at least 30 people, including several children, were injured after a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker drove his vehicle into a group of demonstrators near Munich's central train station on Thursday morning.
The incident, which occurred at Stilgmaierplatz during a Verdi trade union rally, left a 2-year-old child fighting for life at Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital. Emergency responders immediately secured the area as police helicopters circled overhead. The driver, who possessed a valid residence permit, was apprehended at the scene.
The Bavarian Central Office for Extremism and Terrorism has taken charge of the investigation to determine the potential motives behind the attack. The suspect was previously known to local authorities, but only as a witness due to his former employment as a store detective. Police spokesperson revealed that the driver deliberately overtook a police vehicle before accelerating into the back of the demonstration.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concern for the victims while maintaining caution about drawing premature conclusions. The incident has prompted a massive emergency response, with medical personnel treating victims at the scene. Several of the injured sustained severe trauma, according to official reports.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter addressed the media, emphasizing the shocking nature of the incident and expressing solidarity with the affected families. The area around Dachauer Street and Seidle Street remains cordoned off as investigators process the scene.
This incident follows a similar attack less than two months ago in Magdeburg, where a vehicle crashed through a Christmas market, resulting in two fatalities and nearly 70 injuries. The proximity of these events has heightened concerns about public safety at large gatherings.
Bavarian state Premier Markus Söder made the following statement to journalists regarding the incident: "The driver was able to be secured on site and currently poses no further danger."
Florian Volm, spokesperson for the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office, explained their approach:
The Bavarian Central Office for Extremism and Terrorism of the Attorney General's Office is investigating today's incident to find possible motives.
The presence of police officers at the rally proved crucial in the rapid response to the incident. Law enforcement officials were already monitoring the demonstration when the attack occurred, enabling immediate intervention and arrest of the suspect.
A 24-year-old Afghan national residing in Munich with valid documentation stands accused of driving his vehicle into a crowd of demonstrators at Stilgmaierplatz on Thursday morning.
The incident, which occurred during a Verdi trade union rally near Munich's central station, resulted in 30 injuries, including critical injuries to a toddler.
As the Bavarian Central Office for Extremism and Terrorism leads the investigation, authorities maintain an open approach to possible motives while providing support to affected families and securing the area for further examination.
