Investigating the Munich Suspect: Life, Motivation, and Aftermath
The aftermath of the alleged Munich attack, which left at least 36 people injured, has prompted a thorough investigation into the life and motives of the Afghan suspect.
Background and Identity
The suspect, a 24-year-old Afghan, arrived in Germany in late 2016. His identity is confirmed, having previously resided in Italy with a passport deemed genuine by authorities. Upon arriving in Germany, the then 15-year-old was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a common condition among unaccompanied minor refugees due to experiences in their home countries or during their flight.
Social Profile and Work History
On social media, the suspect presented himself as a bodybuilder and religious Muslim, sharing Islamic content. According to Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU), the young Afghan attended school, completed vocational training, and worked as a security guard for two companies.
He reportedly resided in a third-floor apartment in Solln and owned the car used in the attack. Neighbors expressed unfamiliarity with him. Despite working in the security sector, he had no criminal record, except for a minor incident involving unemployment benefit fraud, leading to a suspended sentence with a fine.
Legal Status and Asylum
Herrmann confirms that the suspect held a valid residence permit and work authorization, with a so-called "fiction certificate" as a temporary measure between two valid permits. However, the suspect’s asylum application was denied, and his subsequent legal appeal failed in 2020. The asylum proceedings officially concluded with a rejection and a request to depart the country.
Despite the asylum rejection, Munich authorities issued a "Duldung" (toleration) permit in April 2021, followed by a residence permit in October 2021.
Motive and Investigation
According to Chief Public Prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann, the suspect’s statements upon his arrest suggest a "religious motivation" for the attack. He reportedly exclaimed "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) and prayed after his arrest. Minister Herrmann, however, downplayed any connection to the ongoing Munich Security Conference.
The target of the attack, a Verdi demonstration, is believed to have been coincidental. Investigators continue to probe the suspect’s background and any potential links to extremist circles.
Past Behavior and Religious Practice
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) described the suspect as "previously unremarkable." Security sources indicate that checks on his associates have not revealed any contacts with Islamists. The suspect practiced religion, including regular mosque attendance, but the mosque in question is not known for extremist preachers.
The bodybuilder images on social media, where the suspect appears scantily clad, contradict a strictly conservative Islamic worldview.
Ongoing Investigations
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking clarity on several key questions:
- The suspect’s motive for targeting the Verdi demonstration
- Any potential links to extremist organizations
- Whether there are any connections to the Munich Security Conference
- The significance of the suspect’s religious background
The investigation aims to determine whether the attack was religiously motivated or a result of mental health issues, and to identify any potential accomplices or associates.
