Munich Car-Ramming Incident Over 20 Injured in Suspected Attack
Munich, Germany – A car-ramming incident in central Munich on Thursday, February 13, left over 20 people injured, including children. The attack occurred just hours before the city prepared to host the high-profile Munich Security Conference, which will be attended by global leaders such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder described the event as a “suspected attack.” Authorities confirmed that the suspect has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
Details of the Incident
At approximately midday, a car drove into a labor union demonstration on Seidlstrasse in central Munich, injuring at least 28 people. Participants in the Verdi trade union rally were marching when the vehicle accelerated and plowed into the crowd.
Munich police spokesman Christian Huber stated, “A vehicle approached from behind a police vehicle, then moved to overtake, accelerated, and hit the group.”
Authorities responded swiftly, with officers firing at the suspect’s vehicle before detaining him. Huber confirmed, “One shot was fired at the vehicle. The attacker was arrested. We currently estimate that we have at least 28 injured, some seriously.”
The exact number of injuries remains unclear, with victims receiving medical attention at various hospitals across Munich, including a children’s hospital and the Munich Red Cross Clinic.
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Suspect Identified
The suspect has been identified as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker known to authorities for previous theft and drug-related offenses, according to Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Hermann.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, stating, “This is not something we can tolerate or accept. Anyone who commits a crime in Germany will be punished severely and must understand they may not be able to remain in the country.”
Reports indicate that the suspect’s asylum request had been rejected, but he was allowed to stay in Germany due to deportation restrictions to Afghanistan. Authorities believe the trade union protest was randomly targeted, though further investigations are underway.
Security Concerns Ahead of Munich Security Conference
The attack occurred just 1.5 kilometers from the venue of the upcoming Munich Security Conference. Although police have not found any direct links between the incident and the conference, the attack raises security concerns ahead of the event.
With Germany set to hold a snap general election on February 23, security and immigration policies have become major campaign issues. The country has seen several high-profile attacks involving immigrants in recent months, fueling political debate.
Political Reactions
CDU/CSU opposition leader Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner for the chancellorship, emphasized the need for stricter migration policies. “The attack shows that something has to change in Germany and quickly. We will consistently enforce law and order.”
Bavarian Premier Markus Söder echoed this sentiment, stating, “We cannot go from attack to attack and merely express concern; real changes must be implemented.”
Vice-Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck, of the Alliance 90/The Greens party, stressed the importance of a thorough investigation: “It is crucial that the background of this attack is quickly clarified.”
Meanwhile, Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, used the attack to reinforce her party’s calls for stricter migration controls, stating, “My deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their families. Will it go on like this forever?”
Recent Attacks in Germany
The incident follows a series of violent attacks in Germany linked to asylum seekers:
- January 2025: A two-year-old boy and another individual were killed in a knife attack in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, allegedly carried out by an Afghan migrant.
- 2024: Knife attacks in Mannheim and Solingen involved suspects from Afghanistan and Syria.
- December 2024: A Saudi Arabian psychiatrist was arrested for driving into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing five people and injuring over 200.
As investigations into the Munich car-ramming attack continue, authorities are assessing potential motives and any broader implications for national security.
