A recent car ramming incident in Munich has left 36 injured, including a critically injured toddler, with prosecutors identifying the attack as potentially Islamist motivated. The 24-year-old suspect, Farhad N, reportedly expressed religious sentiments during his arrest, raising urgent discussions around migrant safety and security ahead of Germany's federal elections.
Munich Car Attack Investigated as Islamist Motive Surfaces
Munich Car Attack Investigated as Islamist Motive Surfaces
Prosecutors reveal alarming details behind the Munich attack, linking suspect's motivations to religious ideology amidst rising concerns over migrant-related violence.
An Afghan man, Farhad N, aged 24, has been apprehended in Munich after allegedly driving his Mini Cooper into a crowd, resulting in 36 injuries, including a two-year-old girl who remains in critical condition. Prosecutors disclosed that the suspect admitted to executing the attack, reportedly stating "Allahu Akbar" during his arrest, which led public prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann to characterize the incident as "Islamist motivated."
The attack took place near Munich's central station during a trade union protest, and authorities reported that among the casualties, eight individuals sustained serious injuries with the majority being male. The timing of the incident comes just ten days ahead of Germany's federal elections, which have been overshadowed by increasing instances of violence linked to immigrants.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the site of the attack and expressed his shock, noting that the "brutality of this act upsets us and leaves us stunned." Munich police chief Guido Limmer confirmed that the suspect had been questioned for two hours post-incident, during which he confessed to deliberately driving into the crowd.
Farhad N had resided in Germany since 2016 and despite his asylum application being rejected, he had legal status with a residence and work permit. Initial reports of criminal activity linked to Farhad N were corrected by Bavaria's Interior Minister, stating he worked as a store detective rather than having a history as an offender.
As Germany bracing for the Munich Security Conference and upcoming elections, US Vice President JD Vance expressed condolences to the victims, highlighting the attention on safety and security in context of migration issues within the country. Authorities have found no direct connection of Farhad N to any jihadist organizations, nor evidence to suggest he had accomplices, further complicating the narrative surrounding migrant-related violence.
