Authorities in Munich are investigating a car-ramming incident that injured over 30 people, which they believe was motivated by Islamist sentiments. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Farhad N, an Afghan national who sought asylum in Germany in 2016, drove his Mini Cooper into a crowd participating in a labor union demonstration on Thursday.
Despite his asylum application being rejected, Farhad’s deportation had been put on hold. Following the attack, police apprehended him after firing a warning shot at his vehicle. Eyewitness accounts indicate that he shouted "Allahu Akbar," meaning "God is great," during his arrest, and he reportedly prayed afterward, prompting a swift response from authorities specializing in extremism.
Prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann confirmed that Farhad admitted to intentionally driving into the demonstration, citing religious motivation for his actions. While there is no evidence linking him to any organized extremist group, Tilmann noted that his online presence included posts with religious references, including expressions of faith and personal reflections.
Investigators also discovered messages suggesting he might have anticipated his own demise, with one chat indicating he feared he "won’t be there anymore tomorrow." However, no concrete plans or accomplices related to the attack have been uncovered.
The incident occurred just hours before the Munich Security Conference, which was set to host numerous global leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, asserting that the perpetrator should face severe consequences and be expelled from the country.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand the full scope of Farhad’s motivations and any potential connections to broader extremist ideologies. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and the challenges of monitoring individuals who may act independently while harboring extremist beliefs.