MUNICH, Germany — A shocking incident unfolded in central Munich on Thursday when a driver struck a labor union demonstration, injuring at least 28 people, including children. Authorities are treating the event as a suspected attack, raising concerns amid a tense political climate ahead of Germany’s upcoming election.
The driver, identified as an Afghan asylum-seeker, was arrested at the scene. Police confirmed that the suspect is in custody and no longer poses a threat to the public. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the driver overtook a police vehicle before accelerating into the crowd, which was participating in a demonstration organized by the service workers’ union ver.di.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., demonstrators were walking along a street when the incident occurred. The aftermath revealed a damaged Mini car and scattered debris, including personal items like shoes, along the roadway. In a swift response, officers fired a shot at the vehicle before apprehending the suspect, according to Deputy Police Chief Christian Huber.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter expressed his shock and dismay over the incident, emphasizing the need for community support during this unsettling time. “I am deeply shocked by what has happened today,” he said.
This incident comes amid a backdrop of rising tensions surrounding immigration issues in Germany, particularly with the February 23 election approaching. Recent months have seen a series of attacks involving immigrants, making migration a central topic in political discourse.
In response to heightened security concerns, Munich is preparing for increased law enforcement presence in the coming days, coinciding with the three-day Munich Security Conference, a significant annual event for international foreign and security policy discussions, set to begin on Friday.
As investigations continue, the city remains on alert, grappling with the implications of this violent act against a peaceful demonstration.
