Munich prosecutors are probing an Afghan man's admission of attacking a crowd in Munich with a vehicle, highlighting the incident as potentially Islamist motivated. The attack, which caused multiple injuries, raises concerns ahead of upcoming federal elections in Germany, tying immigration issues to public safety discourse.
Munich Attack: Jihadist Motive Investigated by Prosecutors
Munich Attack: Jihadist Motive Investigated by Prosecutors
An Afghan man has confessed to a car-ramming incident in Munich, resulting in injuries to 36, with authorities pointing to religious motivations behind the attack.
An Afghan national, arrested following a car-ramming incident in Munich that injured 36 individuals, has reportedly confessed to committing the attack, suggesting it was driven by religious motivations. Gabriele Tilmann, the Munich public prosecutor, stated during a press briefing that the suspect uttered "Allahu Akbar" (translating to "God is greatest" in Arabic) at the time of his arrest, leading authorities to characterize the incident as "Islamist motivated."
Among the injured, a two-year-old girl remains in intensive care, as police confirmed that the injuries have affected 32 males and 4 females, with eight individuals suffering serious conditions. This tragic event unfolded just days before crucial federal elections in Germany, adding a layer of unease amid ongoing discussions surrounding immigration and public safety. In a poignant visit to the attack site, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his horror and disappointment, noting the "brutality" of the act.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Farhad N, was reportedly questioned by police for two hours following the incident and has been set to appear in court. Although he had no previous criminal record, authorities clarified there is no known connection between him and any jihadist organization. Additionally, law enforcement officials stated he appears to have acted independently.
Farhad N moved to Germany in 2016. Despite an initial rejection of his asylum application, he was granted permissions to reside and work legally in the country. This incident not only revives discussions regarding immigration policy but also casts a shadow over the impending Munich Security Conference, which commenced shortly after the attack. U.S. Vice-President JD Vance expressed condolences to the victims during his visit on Friday, further underlining the international implications of the attack.
As investigations continue, the motivations and circumstances surrounding this incident will likely influence the broader discourse on migration and security in Germany, especially with elections on the horizon and a series of previous attacks involving immigrants.
