**Munich Incident: Driver Slams into Union Demonstration, Injuring Many**
In a distressing event that unfolded in central Munich on Thursday, a driver struck a car into a union protest, leaving at least 28 individuals, including children, injured. Initial reports from authorities suggest that this act may have been intentional.
The driver, identified as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker, was quickly apprehended by police. This incident adds to a troubling trend of violent attacks linked to immigrants in Germany, which is emerging as a hot topic ahead of the February 23 elections.
According to police accounts, the demonstration organized by the service workers’ union ver.di was taking place around 10:30 a.m. when a vehicle overtook a police car that was escorting the gathering. Subsequently, the driver accelerated and crashed into the crowd, resulting in numerous injuries.
Police deputy chief Christian Huber reported that officers fired upon the car before apprehending the suspect. Among those injured, some have sustained serious injuries. A severely damaged vehicle and personal belongings, including shoes, were left scattered across the scene.
Authorities revealed that the arrested individual was previously known for theft and drug-related offenses. Bavaria’s state interior minister, Joachim Herrmann, stated that the suspect was already on law enforcement’s radar. The investigation has been taken over by a prosecution unit that specializes in extremism and terrorism.
Bavarian Governor Markus Söder expressed profound concern while on the scene, emphasizing his sympathy for the victims. He remarked that the circumstances strongly indicate an attack, describing the situation as “simply terrible.” Mayor Dieter Reiter also shared his shock and noted that among the injured were children.
This latest incident follows a knife attack that occurred three weeks prior in Aschaffenburg, where an Afghan suspect with a rejected asylum application killed a two-year-old boy and a man. Similar violent events, including other knife attacks involving Afghan and Syrian immigrants, have stirred public anxiety regarding immigration policies as the election approaches.
In the wake of this incident, Germany’s opposition conservative bloc, a key faction in the election, has intensified calls for stricter measures against irregular migration. They have proposed stricter border controls and an increase in deportations, a sentiment echoed by the far-right Alternative for Germany party, which is gaining traction in polls.
Söder underscored the need for significant changes in response to such violence, urging that merely reacting with expressions of dismay and gratitude towards police efforts is insufficient. He reiterated the necessity for a proactive approach to enhance public safety.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the center-left government responded to the incident, categorizing it as “really terrible.” He emphasized that offenders will face severe consequences and potential deportation, regardless of the difficulties associated with returning them to their home countries.
The Chancellor highlighted the government’s recent efforts, including the deportation of convicted criminals to Afghanistan, and indicated a commitment to continue such actions.
In light of this incident, the city of Munich is expected to bolster security in the days ahead, particularly with the commencement of the three-day Munich Security Conference, which brings together international officials specializing in foreign and security policy. Although authorities do not currently believe the car incident is related to the conference, they are still working to establish the motive behind the attack.
