A car crashed into a labor union demonstration in central Munich on Thursday, injuring at least 28 people, including children. Authorities believe the incident was an intentional attack.
The driver, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker, was arrested after police fired a shot at his vehicle. The attack follows a series of violent incidents involving immigrants, intensifying political debates ahead of Germany’s election on February 23.
Car Speeds Into Protesters, Causing Chaos
The incident happened around 10:30 a.m. as participants in a service workers’ union march moved through the streets. A car overtook a police escort, accelerated, and slammed into the back of the group, according to police reports.
Deputy police chief Christian Huber confirmed that 28 people were injured, some seriously. Witnesses described a damaged Mini Cooper surrounded by debris, including scattered shoes.
Suspect Had Criminal Record, Motive Under Investigation
Officials say the suspect was previously known to law enforcement for theft and drug-related offenses but was not linked to extremism. Bavarian state officials believe the attack was random rather than politically motivated.
A special prosecutors’ unit handling extremism and terrorism cases has taken over the investigation. Bavarian Governor Markus Söder called the incident a suspected attack and urged swift action.
“We feel for the victims, we are praying for them, and we hope they all survive,” Söder said at the scene.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter confirmed that children were among the injured.
Recent Attacks Intensify Migration Debate
The Munich attack comes weeks after a deadly knife attack in Aschaffenburg, where a two-year-old boy and a man were killed. That attack, also in Bavaria, involved an Afghan asylum-seeker whose application had been rejected.
Several similar incidents in recent months, including knife attacks in Mannheim and Solingen, have put migration and security at the center of Germany’s political debate. The Magdeburg Christmas market attack in December, involving a Saudi suspect, further fueled concerns.
Calls for Stricter Migration Policies Grow Louder
Germany’s conservative opposition and far-right parties are demanding tougher migration policies, including mass deportations and stricter border controls.
“This cannot continue—Germany must change, and fast,” Söder said.
Far-right Alternative for Germany co-leader Alice Weidel wrote on social media, “Is this supposed to carry on forever? Migration turnaround now!”
Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government insists it has already tightened migration controls while respecting EU laws.
“Anyone committing crimes in Germany will be punished and face deportation,” Scholz said, referencing his administration’s recent deportations of convicted criminals to Afghanistan.
Munich on High Alert Ahead of Security Conference
The attack occurred just one day before the start of the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of world leaders and security officials. Authorities say there is no indication the attack was linked to the event but are investigating all possibilities.
The suspect’s asylum claim had reportedly been rejected, but deportation was not possible, according to Bavarian officials.
With public anger rising, the Munich attack is set to fuel an already heated election campaign, as political leaders debate how to handle migration and security in Germany.
