Germany’s federal election on February 23 is overshadowed by rising tensions due to recent violence linked to migration. A 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker injured 36 people in Munich while targeting a protest. Authorities have arrested him for attempted murder, revealing Islamist motives behind the attack. Despite a history of failed asylum claims, he had been living in Germany legally. Politicians are calling for stricter safety measures, while public gatherings seek to honor the victims and advocate for responsible discourse.
Upcoming German Federal Election Amidst Rising Tensions
In just nine days, on February 23, Germany will hold its federal election. The issue of migration has been a prominent topic in the election debates, even before the recent tragic events in Munich. At the end of January, a devastating incident occurred when an asylum seeker from Afghanistan took the lives of a man and a two-year-old child in Aschaffenburg. This latest event adds to the urgency of the discussions surrounding migration policy.
Incident in Munich Raises Alarm
On Thursday morning, a 24-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan drove into a crowd of demonstrators at Stiglmaierplatz in Munich, where about 1,500 members of the Verdi union were advocating for improved working conditions. As of Friday, police reported 36 individuals had sustained injuries, with two, including a young child, suffering serious harm.
The driver has been taken into custody by an investigating judge on suspicion of 39 counts of attempted murder, according to the Munich public prosecutor’s office. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder visited the scene and referred to the incident as a “suspected attack,” emphasizing the need for decisive changes in policy. “We cannot continue reacting to attacks with mere concern,” he stated, calling for more substantial reforms.
At a press conference held the following morning, Chief Prosecutor Gabriele Tilman revealed that the suspect had confessed to intentionally driving into the demonstration, citing religious motivations for his actions. Investigators found Islamist-oriented content on his mobile device, and it was reported that he shouted “Allahu akbar” shortly after the incident.
Initial reports regarding the suspect’s background led to confusion. While it was first suggested he had a criminal history, authorities later clarified that he arrived in Germany in 2016 as an unaccompanied minor. His asylum request was denied in 2020, but due to the unsafe situation in Afghanistan, he was not deported. A recent investigation indicated that he may have fabricated parts of his asylum story, as suggested by a ruling from the Munich Administrative Court.
In 2021, he was granted a residence permit and had been living independently in Munich while working as a store detective. Although he was known to investigators for a separate case of unemployment fraud, the police assured that there was no evidence linking him to any extremist organizations.
In the wake of the attack, politicians from across the spectrum expressed their shock and outrage. Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz emphasized the need for enhanced public safety, while Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called for strict enforcement of laws against violent offenders. Green party candidate Robert Habeck urged a thorough investigation into the incident, highlighting the critical need for a comprehensive security strategy.
As the nation grapples with the implications of this incident, hundreds gathered in Munich on Thursday evening to express solidarity with the victims and advocate for a responsible dialogue that does not exploit the tragedy for political gain. The Verdi union, deeply affected by the event, released a statement expressing their condolences for those injured and their families, awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigation.