An Afghan migrant drove a car into a large demonstration in Munich on Thursday, injuring at least 28 people, in what is being investigated as a "suspected attack." The incident occurred just a day before the German city hosts a major conference of world leaders, including Vice President JD Vance.
The 24-year-old suspect, whose asylum application was recently rejected, was apprehended shortly after driving a Mini Cooper into the crowd at around 10:30 a.m. "It is suspected that this was an attack – a lot points to that," said Bavarian governor Markus Söder at the scene.
Söder emphasized, "The attack shows that I have to change something in Germany – and quickly," although he did not provide further specifics. Among the 28 injured were some children, with several individuals sustaining serious injuries, according to authorities.
The suspect, who has not been named, was known to local police for theft and drug-related offenses, as stated by Bavaria’s state interior minister, Joachim Herrmann. Herrmann revealed that although the suspect's asylum application was rejected, deportation had not been possible.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on the situation, saying, "Anyone who commits crimes in Germany will not just be punished severely and have to go to prison, but must expect that he cannot continue his stay in Germany — and that also goes for countries that it is very difficult to send people back to." He described the incident as "a terrible attack."
Authorities are still investigating the motive, but initial indications suggest the protest was likely targeted randomly. The incident took place near Dachauer Straße and Seidlstraße, where approximately 1,000 city trade union workers were rallying for pay increases, higher bonuses, and additional days off.
The driver reportedly overtook a police vehicle before accelerating and crashing into the back of the demonstration. Police fired a shot at the vehicle, leading to the suspect's capture. Deputy police chief Christian Huber stated, "He approached the gathering from behind and then drove into the crowd. The police then shot at the vehicle."
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with injured individuals, including children, trapped under the car and scattered across the street. One witness told German outlet BR24, "I went with the demonstration. I saw that a man was lying under the car. Then I tried to open the door, but it was locked."
The alarming event unfolded as Munich is set to host the 61st Munich Security Conference, where world leaders will discuss global security policy challenges from February 14 to 16. Expected attendees include Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In response to the incident, conference organizers released a statement expressing their condolences to the victims and their families. "We were deeply saddened to learn that a tragic incident occurred this morning in downtown Munich, in which a vehicle drove into a crowd of people," the statement read on X.
Authorities confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the area, and Herrmann noted that the car ramming does not appear to be connected to the conference.
