A 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker is under investigation following a serious car attack in Munich, resulting in multiple injuries, including children.
**Suspected Car Attack in Munich: Key Details Emerging**
**Suspected Car Attack in Munich: Key Details Emerging**
A tragic incident unfolds as a car plows into a crowd, raising concerns over public safety.
In a shocking incident in Munich, a 24-year-old Afghan man, identified only as Farhad N. due to privacy laws, drove his Mini Cooper into a crowd gathered for a trade union rally on Thursday morning, leaving at least 30 people injured. The authorities are investigating the event as a suspected attack.
This alarming occurrence took place at approximately 10:30 local time (11:30 GMT) while trade union members were demonstrating for better pay and benefits in the heart of Munich. The location was near a junction at Karlstrasse and Seidlstrasse, where around 1,500 people were converging for the rally's final destination. Reports indicate that police fired a shot at the vehicle before detaining the driver on-site. During the rally, emergency services were readily available, allowing for a swift response to the injured.
At least two individuals are reported to be in serious condition among the injured, with the Munich fire service stating that some injuries are life-threatening. Children were among those hurt—a fact emphasized by Munich's deputy mayor, Dominik Krause, who condemned the attack as particularly heinous given the presence of young attendees at the demonstration.
The suspect, who has been living in Munich since entering Germany in 2016, had reportedly faced challenges with his asylum status. Bavarian interior minister Joachim Herrmann clarified that while Farhad N. had received a rejection of his asylum application, he was still legally residing and working in Germany. Herrmann noted that the suspect had previously worked as a store detective and was involved in various policing incidents, but no extremist behavior had been identified.
Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as individuals attempted to flee the incoming vehicle, with an orthopaedic shop employee recalling panicked people rushing inside. One witness recounted the car accelerating rapidly and striking multiple pedestrians.
In response to the attack, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for strict legal actions against the perpetrator. "This individual cannot expect leniency," he stated. Bavarian state premier Markus Söder vowed to uncover the full details of this incident, highlighting the need for a reassessment of public safety measures in Germany. Counter-terrorism officials have since taken over the investigation, as concerns grow regarding potential threats to community security.
