A 24-year-old Afghan refugee drove a car into a union demonstration in central Munich, injuring nearly 40 people, including several children. The police are investigating whether the driver acted alone and have found no connection to terrorist organizations.
The attack occurred just 10 days before federal elections focused on migration, raising concerns about national security and immigration policies. Witnesses reported hearing the vehicle’s engine rev up as it drove into the crowd, prompting police to fire a single shot.
Several children were among those injured, including a 12-year-old girl who remains in intensive care. The victims included union members, supporters, and their families, who were being accompanied by police officers.
The suspect, Farhad N., was an unaccompanied minor who arrived in Germany in 2016. He had previously claimed his father’s murder in Afghanistan, but authorities did not grant him asylum status. Despite this, he received a temporary residence permit in 2021 and appeared to be integrated into German society.
Investigators found no evidence of connections to extremist groups, but believe the attack was motivated by religious reasons and an “Islamist orientation.” The suspect had posted messages on his phone, including one saying goodbye to a loved one before the attack.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/world/europe/munich-car-attack-who-what.html