A car crashed into a union demonstration in Munich, injuring over two dozen people, in an attack authorities believe was deliberate. The suspect, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, had a history of minor crimes and failed his asylum request.
The incident occurred during the morning rush hour on Thursday, as police escorted the demonstration. Witnesses described chaos at the scene, with some injured and others crying. At least 28 people were taken to hospital, including two who sustained severe injuries.
The Munich attack is the latest in a string of seemingly unrelated assaults carried out by immigrants from Afghanistan and the Middle East over the past year. Germany’s chancellor election next week has heightened tensions on immigration issues.
Leading parties in the election have vowed to crack down on migrants, with some speculating that the attack could boost the far-right Alternative for Germany party. However, allies of the Christian Democrats’ candidate say his recent moves on migration have inoculated him against such claims.
The incident has also raised concerns about public safety and the government’s response to migration. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has taken a more measured approach but offered an aggressive response to the attack, calling for the suspect to be punished and deported.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/world/europe/germany-car-crash-munich-driver-arrested.html