On Thursday, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker drove a Mini Cooper into a crowd at a union march in Munich, injuring 36 people, including children. The police are probing the motive behind the attack, which significantly impacts the surrounding political environment just days ahead of federal elections.
Tragic Car Attack in Munich Injures 36 During Union Rally
Tragic Car Attack in Munich Injures 36 During Union Rally
A deliberate car attack at a union demonstration in Munich leaves many injured, sparking investigations as elections approach.
On Thursday morning, chaos erupted at a union demonstration in central Munich when a 24-year-old Afghan refugee deliberately drove his Mini Cooper into the crowd, injuring approximately 40 individuals. This act of violence has raised alarm bells among officials as it occurred merely ten days before pivotal federal elections centered on immigration issues. According to police, the driver, who has confessed, is currently under investigation to determine if he acted alone.
The incident transpired around 10:30 a.m. when law enforcement officers, positioned at the rear of the march, noted the speeding car approaching. Witnesses reported that the driver accelerated before crashing into the marchers, prompting police to fire a warning shot amid the chaos. Emergency medical services swiftly arrived on the scene, treating the injured and establishing a temporary command post in a nearby café to collect witness statements. Additionally, an online portal was created for the public to share any video footage they may have captured.
Authorities later confirmed that the attack resulted in injuries to 36 individuals, including several children. Among the gravely injured was a 12-year-old girl who remains in intensive care. The victims were primarily union members and their supporters participating in a one-day strike organized by Verdi, one of Germany's major unions, which represents workers from various public sectors, including education and waste management.
As the investigation continues, politicians, including Bavarian Governor Markus Söder and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, visited the crash site to pay their respects, laying flowers for the victims. The implications of this tragedy are expected to resonate throughout the ongoing electoral campaign, with heightened scrutiny on migration policies and security concerns.
