Munich Terror Attack: City in Shock as Suspect’s Motives Remain Unknown
Munich, the vibrant capital of Bavaria, is reeling in shock and searching for answers after a harrowing incident that unfolded in its downtown area on Thursday. A 24-year-old Afghan man allegedly rammed a car into a crowd of demonstrators, leaving at least 30 individuals injured, some with severe wounds.
The suspect, who was swiftly apprehended, will face an investigating judge on Friday in hopes of shedding light on his motives. A press conference scheduled for late morning will provide updates from police authorities. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to attend a memorial service at the scene of the attack.
Immediate Outcry and Swift Condemnation
Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (SPD) expressed his dismay over the incident and vowed to expedite the suspect’s deportation to his home country. "Those who are not German citizens and commit crimes of this nature must understand that we will return them to their country of origin," Scholz affirmed in an interview on ZDF’s "Klartext" program.
Bundesinnenministerin Nancy Faeser (SPD) echoed the sentiment, stating that deportations to Afghanistan would continue unabated. "This act must be met with the full force of the law," she declared.
Unraveling the Suspect’s History
Initial confusion surrounding the suspect’s legal status dissipated as the evening progressed. According to Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU), the young Afghan possessed a valid residence permit and work authorization at the time of the incident.
Herrmann provided further details, revealing that the suspect entered Germany as an unaccompanied minor refugee in late 2016. His asylum application was ultimately rejected in 2020, with an order to leave the country being issued. However, the city of Munich issued a suspension of deportation in April 2021, followed by a residence permit in October 2021.
The suspect attended school, completed vocational training, and worked as a security guard for two firms.
Herrmann clarified an earlier misunderstanding regarding the suspect’s supposed involvement in shoplifting cases, stating that he was "not a suspect himself, but a witness."
Ministerpräsident Seeks Answers
Ministerpräsident Markus Söder (CSU) expressed concern about the suspect’s seemingly low profile. "He was not under any obligation to leave the country," Söder stated. "And up until now, there has been no indication of extremist motives." Söder emphasized the urgent need for a thorough investigation to determine the reasons behind the horrific act.
Sequence of Events
According to police accounts, the incident occurred around 10:30 am on Thursday when the suspect followed the demonstration in his car. He then accelerated and drove into the rear of the crowd, which included families with young children. Police officers responded swiftly, opening fire on the suspect and taking him into custody.
Massive Response and Public Mourning
The demonstration had been organized by Verdi, a trade union, as part of a wave of warning strikes in the public sector. Verdi initially considered canceling today’s planned events in Bavaria but later decided to proceed.
By Thursday evening, the site of the attack had become a solemn memorial, with flowers and candles adorning the scene. The suspect’s vehicle was towed away as forensic and state criminal police continued their investigations late into the night.
Security Concerns Ahead of Munich Security Conference
Just days before the start of the Munich Security Conference, questions have been raised about the potential impact of the incident. This major gathering of over 60 heads of state and government is scheduled to take place near the site of the attack, and it remains to be seen whether it will affect the event’s proceedings.
