Dozens Injured in Munich Car Ramming Ahead of High-Stakes Security Conference
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Car Rams into Crowd in Munich, Injuring 28, as City Prepares for Security Conference
A car rammed into a group of demonstrators in Munich on Thursday, injuring at least 28 people in what authorities suspect was an intentional attack. The incident occurred just before world leaders were set to arrive in the southern German city for the high-profile Munich Security Conference.
The suspect, identified as a 24-year-old asylum-seeker from Afghanistan, was detained by police. Munich police director Christian Huber stated that the suspect is in custody and no longer considered a threat. Bavarian Governor Markus Söder confirmed that the incident is being investigated as a potential attack, according to The Associated Press.
Children were among those injured, Mayor Dieter Reiter said. Emergency services launched a large-scale response near Munich’s central train station, and authorities swiftly secured the area.
The incident unfolded just a day before key figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and other senior diplomats, were scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference, located about one mile from the scene of the attack.
The conference is set to bring together global leaders to discuss pressing international security issues, adding heightened significance to the city’s preparations following Thursday’s shocking events.
The car hit a group of protesters staging a demonstration linked to a strike organized by the Verdi union, according to local broadcaster BR24. Verdi is the key trade union for Germany’s public sector.
Those on the picket line were employees for local childcare services, according to the union, which organized the rally after negotiations for federal and local public service wages had stalled.
Verdi said it had no further information on the incident.
One person said they witnessed police shooting at the car. “I saw that a man was lying underneath the car,” the eyewitness told German program BR24. “Then I tried to open the door, but it was locked.”
Eventually, the eyewitness retreated and turned to those injured, BR24 reported.
The mayor of the Bavarian city was “deeply shaken” by the incident, according to German newspaper Bild.
“The police president has informed me that a vehicle drove into a group of people and many people were injured,” said Dieter Reiter. “I am deeply shaken. My thoughts are with the injured.”
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