A tragic incident unfolded in Munich on Thursday when a car sped into a crowd of protesters, leaving 28 people injured, including children. The attack took place during a demonstration organized by the Verdi trade union. Authorities have taken a 24-year-old suspect into custody, but the motive remains unclear.
Violence Shocks Munich Protest
On Thursday morning, at around 10:30 AM, a Mini Cooper plowed into a group of demonstrators on Seidlstraße in Munich. The protest, organized by Verdi, aimed to push for better wages for workers. Witnesses reported that the driver suddenly accelerated, crashing into the gathering without any prior warning.
Medical teams and law enforcement arrived quickly at the scene. Authorities confirmed that 28 people suffered injuries, with two in critical condition. Among the wounded were several children. Emergency responders provided first aid and transported those in severe condition to nearby hospitals. The area was secured, and an immediate investigation began.
Attacker in Custody, Motive Under Investigation
Munich police arrested a 24-year-old Afghan man as the prime suspect. Officials have ruled out an accident, stating that the act appeared to be intentional. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder confirmed that authorities are considering the incident a targeted attack.
The suspect legally resided in Munich with a valid work permit and had no criminal history. He had been mentioned in past police investigations but only as a witness. Reports suggest that some content on his social media could be linked to Islamist ideologies, but officials have not yet confirmed if terrorism was a factor. Investigators are still working to uncover the motive behind the attack.
City Reacts with Shock and Grief
Munich’s Mayor Dieter Reiter described the event as a “devastating day for the city.” He expressed his deep condolences to the victims and their families. Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann praised the swift actions of emergency responders and law enforcement.
Political figures quickly reacted to the attack, with discussions on security and migration policies reigniting across Germany. Prime Minister Söder called for stronger regulations but refrained from placing direct blame.
Security Measures Tightened Ahead of Major Event
The attack comes at a time when Munich is preparing to host its annual Security Conference, a high-profile event attended by global leaders. In response, security has been significantly increased throughout the city. Authorities have deployed additional police forces to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.
The Munich attack is not the first time Germany has faced vehicle-related violence. In 2016, a terrorist drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people. More recently, similar attacks occurred in Trier in 2020 and Volkmarsen in 2021. These incidents have sparked ongoing debates on public safety and counter-terrorism efforts.
Investigation Continues as City Mourns
Police are actively investigating whether the suspect acted alone or had connections to extremist groups. They are examining his digital footprint and personal history to determine if he had any radical influences.
As authorities piece together the details, the people of Munich struggle to cope with the tragedy. Many citizens have expressed their sorrow and frustration, demanding answers and stronger safety measures.
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