A significant incident unfolded in Munich as a vehicle drove into a crowd during the Verdi trade union rally, leaving multiple people injured. The event has drawn attention due to its timing ahead of the Munich Security Conference, set to commence on Friday. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.
According to Munich police spokesman Christian Huber, a police vehicle was trailing the rally when a car approached from behind. The vehicle then attempted to overtake the police car, accelerating as it reached the end of the rally. The driver was quickly apprehended by police colleagues, with one shot fired at the vehicle during the arrest. The suspect, identified as a 24-year-old Afghan with asylum seeker status, was taken into custody.
While initial reports suggested that two men were in the vehicle, the Munich police have stated on their X account that they have only secured the driver and cannot confirm the presence of a passenger. Eyewitnesses, however, told German newspaper Bild that two men were in the Mini Cooper involved in the crash. According to these witnesses, one of the men was shot by the police and removed from the scene. The BBC has yet to verify these claims.
The latest update from Munich police indicates that at least two individuals have suffered serious injuries. Emergency services remain on-site, with the fire brigade reporting some victims in life-threatening conditions. Earlier estimates suggested around 20 people were injured in total.
The motive behind the incident remains unclear. Police have secured the driver, ensuring no further danger, but investigations continue to determine if there was any connection between the demonstration and the incident. A police spokesman informed local broadcaster BR that this aspect is under review. Authorities have sealed off the area, urging the public to avoid it to facilitate emergency vehicle access and requesting witnesses to provide information.
As the investigation proceeds, Munich police are conducting a major operation in the Dachauer Strasse area. The driver, detained at the scene, is no longer a threat. With the Munich Security Conference imminent, featuring attendees such as US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the incident has heightened concerns about security in the city. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
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