The deadly incident raises concerns over security in the lead-up to Germany's federal elections and highlights ongoing issues related to immigration and public safety.
Tragic Munich Car Attack Claims Lives of Mother and Child
Tragic Munich Car Attack Claims Lives of Mother and Child
A mother and her young daughter succumb to injuries from a shocking car attack at a trade union rally in Munich.
In a deeply mournful announcement, authorities confirmed that a 37-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter have died from injuries inflicted during a horrific car attack that occurred in Munich on Thursday. The tragic event, which left at least 37 others injured, involved a vehicle driven intentionally into a crowd at a trade union rally.
Police identified the driver as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, known in local media as Farhad N. He was arrested immediately following the incident, which authorities suspect was fueled by religious motivations. "Unfortunately, we have to confirm the deaths today of the two-year-old child and her 37-year-old mother," stated police spokesman Ludwig Waldinger to AFP.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions around security concerns just days ahead of Germany's federal elections, especially given the backdrop of prior attacks linked to immigrants in Munich, including previous cases involving Afghan suspects. Coincidentally, the attack occurred just before the onset of the Munich Security Conference, a significant event attracting global attention.
US Vice-President JD Vance expressed his condolences for the victims upon arriving in the city on Friday.
Details regarding the suspect reveal that he had come to Germany in 2016; although his asylum request was denied, he was permitted to remain in the country due to potential deportation risks to Afghanistan. He possessed a valid residence and work permit and reportedly had no prior criminal record. Police have stressed that there is currently no evidence connecting him to a jihadist organization, and it appears he acted independently.
Clarifying the suspect's state of mind, Munich public prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann informed reporters that he allegedly exclaimed "Allahu Akbar," translating to "God is greatest" in Arabic, upon his detention, leading to speculation regarding possible Islamist motivations behind the attack.
