Munich, Germany – A 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker drove a car into a crowd during a labor union demonstration in Munich today, injuring at least 30 people, including children. The incident, which authorities are treating as a suspected attack, occurred near the city’s central train station, just before the annual Munich Security Conference.
The driver, identified as Farhad Noori, was arrested at the scene after police fired a shot during his apprehension. He had been residing in Munich with a valid residence permit and was known to authorities due to previous investigations. His asylum application had been rejected, but he was allowed to stay in Germany on “tolerated” status.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Bavarian state premier Markus Söder stated that it was “probably an attack,” but further details are pending investigation.
The demonstration, organized by the Verdi public sector workers’ union, had approximately 1,500 participants. Emergency services responded swiftly, providing medical assistance to the injured. Among the victims, a two-year-old child sustained life-threatening injuries and required resuscitation at the scene.
This incident has intensified the political debate on immigration and security in Germany, especially with the federal election scheduled for February 23. Conservative frontrunner Friedrich Merz emphasized the need for stringent law enforcement, stating, “We will enforce law and order. Everyone must feel safe in our country again. Something has to change in Germany.”ht Alternative for Germany (AfD) party also seized on the attack to call for a halt to immigration. Co-leader Alice Weidel questioned, “Should this go on forever? Migration turnaround now!”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, asserting that the perpetrator must be punished and deported. He stated, “He must be punished and he must leave the country.”
The Munich Security Conference, set to begin tomorrow, is expected to proceed under heightened security measures. International leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are scheduled to attend. Authorities have indicated that there is no suspected connection between the attack and the conference.
