Bundestag’s Interior Committee to Hold Special Session on Munich Attack
Following the deadly attack in Munich, the Bundestag’s Interior Committee is planning a special session this week to delve deeper into the circumstances and ongoing investigations. Committee members anticipate a meeting on Wednesday at a time yet to be determined.
In a preparatory telephone conference with the Interior Ministry, the party leaders received preliminary information about the case. "Despite the perpetrator’s admission during interrogation, the question of motive remains central," said Martina Renner, member of the Bundestag and interior policy spokesperson for Die Linke.
On Thursday, a 24-year-old Afghan drove his car into a demonstration organized by the Verdi labor union. A two-year-old girl and her 37-year-old mother sustained severe injuries and succumbed to them on Saturday at the hospital. At least 37 other individuals were injured.
Based primarily on statements made by the driver after his arrest, Bavarian investigators currently assume an Islamist motive behind the attack. Due to the significant nature of the incident, the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the investigation.
Investigation Centers on Motive and Connections
The primary focus of the ongoing investigation is to ascertain the perpetrator’s motive and determine any potential accomplices or connections to extremist groups. Authorities are also examining the possibility of a mental health component contributing to the attack.
Investigators are meticulously analyzing the driver’s phone records, social media activities, and any other relevant materials to piece together a comprehensive picture of his thoughts and actions leading up to the incident.
Islamic State Connection Remains Unconfirmed
Initial indications suggest that the perpetrator may have been influenced by extremist Islamist ideology. However, officials have yet to establish a direct link to any specific organization, including the Islamic State (IS).
"At this stage, we cannot definitively determine a connection to IS," said a spokesperson for the Bavarian State Office of Criminal Investigation. "Our investigations are ongoing, and we are exploring all possibilities."
Mental Health Evaluation Ordered
Simultaneously, authorities have ordered a psychiatric evaluation of the perpetrator to assess his mental state and whether it played a role in the attack. The results of the evaluation are expected to shed light on his psychological condition and help determine his culpability.
Committee Session to Scrutinize Findings
The Bundestag’s Interior Committee will convene on Wednesday to review the preliminary findings of the investigation, examine security measures in place, and assess potential gaps that may have contributed to the attack. The session will provide an opportunity for parliamentarians to question government officials and experts involved in the investigation and response.
The attack in Munich has heightened concerns about the threat of terrorism in Germany. The Interior Committee’s special session will play a crucial role in evaluating the government’s efforts to prevent and combat such incidents in the future.
