A somber morning in Munich turned chaotic as a driver plowed a car into a Verdi (labor union) demonstration, leaving at least 28 people injured, some critically.
Authorities have identified the suspect as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker whose application had been rejected.
What exactly happened, and what do we know so far?
The Incident Unfolds in München
The incident occurred around 10:30 AM at Stiglmaierplatz, where Verdi had organized a demonstration expected to draw around 2,500 participants.
According to police reports, the car, a white Mini Cooper, approached from behind, initially tailing a police vehicle escorting the march.
Suddenly, the car accelerated, ramming into the crowd near Karlstraße and Seidlstraße.
A shot was reportedly fired at the vehicle, presumably in an attempt to stop it.
The situation remains tense as investigators piece together the sequence of events.
Suspect Details: Farhad N.
The suspect has been identified as Farhad N., born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in January 2001.
He arrived in Germany in late 2016 as an unaccompanied minor and was taken into care by a youth welfare facility.
Before arriving in Germany, he had reportedly spent time in Italy.
His asylum application was rejected in September 2017, a decision he unsuccessfully appealed.
Despite the rejection, Farhad N.
received a temporary suspension of deportation, a “Duldung,” from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
However, he was supposed to leave the country since autumn 2020.
According to police, the 24-year-old had a record of drug offenses and shoplifting.
Extremist Links Under Investigation
There are initial indications of possible Islamist leanings, prompting the Munich Public Prosecutor General’s Office to take over the investigation, citing potential extremist motives.
Investigators have searched the suspect’s apartment in the Solln district of Munich, seeking further clues.
Social Media Presence
Before the attack, Farhad N.
allegedly posted Islamist content online.
Reports indicate that he maintained a social media profile as a fitness influencer with over 60,000 followers.
On these profiles, now partially deleted, Farhad N.
presented himself as a fitness enthusiast.
He even posed on a white Mini – the same model used in the attack.
In 2024, he apparently won a German bodybuilding competition, posing with a German flag.
His posts also included Arabic text and Afghan flags.
His last post, made on Wednesday, featured Arabic text (“O Allah, protect us always”) along with an emoji of the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site.
What does this all mean in the context of the attack?
Social Media Following
A closer look at the accounts Farhad N.
followed on Instagram reveals over 900 pages, many with Islamic content.
These include known Islamist preachers and organizations that regularly post Quran verses.
One followed page stated in its profile description that it does not respond to direct messages from female followers.
Police have stated that there is no indication of additional accomplices, and it appears Farhad N.
did not intentionally target the Verdi demonstration but rather chose it randomly.
Official Statements and Reactions
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder referred to the incident as a suspected attack.
The Central Office for the Fight against Extremism and Terrorism at the Munich Public Prosecutor General’s Office has taken over the investigation.
Videos circulating online purportedly show the arrest, with police officers pinning a young man to the ground near the car, surrounded by people in Verdi vests.
Injured individuals were also seen being attended to by police and other demonstrators.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter expressed his shock, noting that children were among the injured.
“I am deeply shaken,” Reiter said.
“My thoughts are with the injured.”
Police have cordoned off the area, and the Verdi event was canceled.
A Verdi Bayern spokesperson conveyed their thoughts to the victims and their families, stating that the union is in close contact with the police.
They indicated no evidence suggests other strikes are at risk.
Political Fallout
The incident occurred just ten days before the federal election, prompting strong reactions from political leaders.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz demanded severe punishment and subsequent deportation of the perpetrator.
“It must be clear that the justice system will use all its means to act harshly against this perpetrator,” Scholz stated.
He emphasized that anyone committing crimes in Germany will face severe punishment, imprisonment, and potential deportation, even to countries where returns are difficult.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser vowed the full force of the law, highlighting recent legislative changes to facilitate the deportation of violent offenders.
Justice Minister Volker Wissing called for a measured response amid intense debate.
CDU and CSU leaders renewed calls for stricter rules.
Markus Söder stated, “Something must change in Germany, and quickly.” Union chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz promised to prioritize the safety of people in Germany and enforce law and order.
Verdi’s Response
Verdi expressed deep dismay over the attack.
Chairman Frank Werneke stated it was a “difficult moment for all colleagues.” The union canceled planned rallies out of respect for the victims.
Current Status
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities exploring all possible motives.
The injured are being treated in several hospitals across Munich, and support is being offered to witnesses and those affected.
How will this tragedy impact the upcoming elections and the ongoing debates surrounding immigration and security policies?
*Last Updated: February 13, 2025*
Understanding the Munich Attack: Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Munich on the day of the attack?
On a somber morning, a car rammed into a Verdi labor union demonstration at Stiglmaierplatz in Munich, injuring at least 28 people.
The suspect has been identified as Farhad N., a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker.
Who is the suspect, Farhad N.?
Farhad N.
was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in January 2001.
He arrived in Germany in late 2016 as an unaccompanied minor.
His asylum application was rejected in September 2017, and he had a record of drug offenses and shoplifting.
Were there any indications of extremist links?
Initial investigations suggest possible Islamist leanings, prompting the Munich Public Prosecutor General’s Office to take over the investigation to explore potential extremist motives.
What was the political fallout from the Munich attack?
The incident occurred ten days before the federal election, leading to strong reactions from political leaders.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz demanded severe punishment and subsequent deportation of the perpetrator.
What has been Verdi’s response to the attack?
Verdi expressed deep dismay over the attack, with Chairman Frank Werneke stating it was a “difficult moment for all colleagues.” The union canceled planned rallies out of respect for the victims.
Reflecting on the Munich Attack
The Munich attack serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence and the complex issues surrounding immigration, security, and extremism.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to address the underlying factors that contributed to this tragedy and work towards fostering a more inclusive and secure society.
Moving Forward: Next Steps and Considerations
- **Support for Victims:** Provide comprehensive support to the injured and affected individuals and their families.
- **Thorough Investigation:** Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover all motives and contributing factors.
- **Policy Review:** Review existing immigration and security policies to identify potential areas for improvement.
- **Community Dialogue:** Foster open dialogue and understanding within the community to address concerns and prevent future incidents.