At least 28 people, including children, were injured on Thursday when a driver plowed into a group of pedestrians in the southern German city, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. when a Mini Cooper, driven by a 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker, rammed into demonstrators from the Verdi union after overtaking a police vehicle.
Suspect Arrested Following Police Intervention
German police swiftly responded to the scene, with officers firing a shot at the vehicle before arresting the suspect. Munich’s deputy police chief Christian Huber stated that officials are treating the incident as a potential attack.
The tragic event comes just a day before high-ranking global leaders are set to convene for the prestigious Munich Security Conference, taking place a mere 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) from the crash site. Dignitaries such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to arrive later on February 13.
Political Reactions: Chancellor Calls for Strict Action
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded firmly to the attack, stating that the perpetrator “cannot hope for any leniency” and must face strict legal consequences, including deportation.
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“This perpetrator cannot hope for any leniency. He must be punished and he must leave the country. If it was an attack, we must take consistent action against possible perpetrators with all means of justice,” Scholz asserted, as reported by local news outlet Focus.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter expressed his shock and condolences following the incident. “I am deeply shocked by what has happened. My thoughts are with the injured,” he said.
Growing Concerns Over Public Safety
The attack follows a series of violent incidents involving immigrants in recent months, further amplifying immigration as a central issue in Germany’s February 23 elections. With rising concerns over security, the government faces increased pressure to implement stricter measures against violent offenders.
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Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, while security has been heightened in Munich ahead of the international conference.
As the city reels from the tragedy, Germany braces for further debates on migration policies and public safety measures in the lead-up to the elections.
