MUNICH — Authorities have stated that the individual responsible for a recent car-ramming incident in Munich, which resulted in injuries to 39 people, likely had motives linked to Islamic extremism. However, there is currently no information indicating that he was part of any extremist network. The suspect, a 24-year-old Afghan national who entered Germany seeking asylum in 2016, was taken into custody after he drove a Mini Cooper into a labor union protest in the city on Thursday. Police apprehended him after discharging a firearm at the vehicle, which fortunately did not result in any injuries to him.
Among the injured, authorities reported that two individuals suffered life-threatening injuries, while eight others were seriously hurt. Following the incident, a judge ordered that the suspect, known as Farhad N. due to German privacy laws, be kept in custody as the investigation continues with potential charges anticipated.
This incident marks the fifth attack involving immigrants in the last nine months, drawing heightened attention to immigration issues in the lead-up to Germany’s election scheduled for February 23. Prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann revealed that the suspect yelled “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is great,” upon his arrest and proceeded to pray, which led an extremism investigation unit to immediately engage in the case.
During his interrogation, the suspect confessed to intentionally ramming into the demonstration, suggesting that his actions were motivated by religious beliefs. While Tilmann mentioned Islamic motivation in her remarks, she emphasized that there was no evidence linking him to any known extremist groups. The suspect had a presence on social media, where he shared religiously themed posts, including one that read “Allah, protect us always,” while promoting himself as a bodybuilder and fitness model.
Guido Limmer, the deputy head of Bavaria’s state criminal police, noted that investigators discovered a message to relatives in which the suspect mentioned, “perhaps I won’t be there anymore tomorrow.” Despite this, they found no evidence of any concrete plans for the assault or involvement from additional parties. The suspect, who lacked prior criminal records and held a valid residence permit — although his asylum claim had been denied — had previously worked as a store security guard. Tilmann added that there were no indicators of mental health issues.
Following the unfolding of events, federal prosecutors, who oversee national security and terrorism inquiries in Germany, announced they would assume control of the investigation due to the case’s significant implications. The charges against the suspect include 39 counts of attempted murder, bodily injury, and hazardous interference with road traffic.
In the aftermath of the attack, community members pooled together to leave flowers and light candles at the location. “I’m at a loss for words,” conveyed Anna Zagkoti, a 37-year-old witness. “We’ve seen too many similar instances in other German cities. It’s heartbreaking, and something must be done. Politicians need to take action, and our society needs to unite to combat it.”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier paid tribute by laying flowers at the scene of the attack early Friday morning. He condemned the “brutality of this act” and noted it left many in shock. This unfortunate event transpired just a day prior to the commencement of the Munich Security Conference, a prominent annual assembly for international foreign and security officials, typically characterized by extensive security measures.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed his condolences during a bilateral meeting with Steinmeier at the conference. “We extend our wishes for a swift recovery and support for the victims and their families,” he stated.
