Car drives into crowd in Munich on Thursday, leaving at least 28 people injured in what local authorities suspect to be a deliberate attack. The tragic incident occurred just as the city was preparing to host a high-profile security conference attended by world leaders.
The suspect, identified as a 24-year-old asylum-seeker from Afghanistan, was taken into custody following the attack. Bavarian Governor Markus Söder stated that the authorities are treating the incident as a suspected attack, though investigations into the motive are still ongoing.
Incident Overview and Immediate Aftermath
The attack took place near Munich’s central train station, where a group of demonstrators was participating in a strike organized by the Verdi union.
Eyewitnesses reported that a cream-colored Mini Cooper accelerated before plowing into the crowd. The impact left several people seriously injured, including children. Some of the casualties were in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Television footage showed a chaotic scene, with emergency services rushing to provide medical assistance. Witnesses described seeing victims lying on the ground, some trapped beneath the vehicle. One bystander attempted to open the car door but found it locked. Others recounted hearing gunshots, as police reportedly fired at the vehicle in an attempt to stop it.
#BREAKING In Munich a car drives into a group of people – 15 injured
— MunichKaNizam (@hike_to_hell) February 13, 2025
Nothing is yet known about the exact circumstances of the accident. pic.twitter.com/xtwivWMtKa
Authorities responded swiftly, deploying a large number of officers to secure the area. The driver was apprehended at the scene and was not considered an ongoing threat. Munich police director Christian Huber confirmed that the suspect was already known to law enforcement for prior offenses related to theft and drug-related crimes.
Political Reactions and Security Implications
The attack has sparked a strong response from political leaders across Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his shock and condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing that the perpetrator would face the full force of the law. Bavarian Governor Söder described the incident as “simply terrible” and called for immediate changes in Germany’s immigration policies.
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The timing of the attack is particularly significant as it comes amid heated debates over immigration and security policies in Germany. The Munich Security Conference, scheduled to begin the following day, was set to host prominent world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Authorities had already heightened security measures in anticipation of the event, deploying at least 5,000 police officers to the city. Right-wing politicians, including Alternative for Germany (AfD) party leader Alice Weidel, were quick to seize on the attack to push for stricter immigration controls.
Weidel referred to the suspect as a “terror-driver” in a social media post, calling for immediate policy changes. However, police have not yet classified the attack as an act of terrorism, stating that further investigations are needed to determine the suspect’s motives.
Broader Context and Rising Tensions
The Munich attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have intensified debates over Germany’s asylum policies. In recent months, the country has witnessed a rise in both attacks allegedly committed by asylum-seekers and violent acts targeting migrant communities. Just a day before the Munich incident, a German national was arrested for plotting a bomb attack on a temporary shelter for asylum-seekers in Brandenberg.
Germany has been grappling with a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment, fueled by political rhetoric and a growing perception of security threats.
The far-right AfD party has capitalized on these fears, gaining momentum in the lead-up to national elections. Meanwhile, the government has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with some calling for tougher immigration policies and others warning against xenophobia and scapegoating of refugees.
The attack in Munich has once again brought these issues to the forefront, raising difficult questions about integration, security, and social cohesion.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine whether the suspect acted alone or had any links to extremist groups. Meanwhile, the victims of the attack remain the primary concern, with medical teams providing urgent care to those critically injured.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Germany faces in balancing security concerns with humanitarian responsibilities. While political debates intensify, the priority remains ensuring justice for the victims and preventing further acts of violence in the future.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏