A rejected Afghan asylum seeker, Farhad N., 24, ploughed his vehicle into a crowd of demonstrators in Munich, leaving at least 28 people injured, including a child in critical condition. The shocking incident has reignited the debate on Germany’s migration policies, as it has been revealed that the perpetrator had been denied asylum in 2016 but was allowed to remain in the country under a toleration permit.
A brutal attack on protesters
The attack took place on Thursday morning when Farhad N., a Kabul-born Afghan national, deliberately accelerated his Mini Cooper into a demonstration organised by the Verdi trade union. The rally, attended by around 1,000 people, was part of an ongoing protest demanding higher wages and improved working conditions for city employees.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as the car tore through the crowd at approximately 30mph, throwing people to the ground and causing severe injuries. Police fired a gunshot at the vehicle before arresting the driver at the scene. Footage circulating online captured the moment officers surrounded the car, dragged the suspect out, and pinned him to the ground.
Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann confirmed that Farhad’s asylum application had been denied years ago, yet he was allowed to stay in Germany due to bureaucratic hurdles in the deportation process. His previous criminal record, including offences related to drugs and theft, raises serious concerns about Germany’s enforcement of deportation policies for failed asylum seekers.
A known threat with Islamism links?
Reports from German newspaper Spiegel suggest that Farhad had been posting Islamist propaganda online in the days leading up to the attack. Authorities are now investigating whether the incident was an act of terrorism.
Police in Munich took to social media shortly after the attack to reassure the public that the driver had been secured and “currently poses no further danger.” A police spokesperson later provided details, stating:
“A police car was at the rear of the demonstration when the attacker’s vehicle approached from behind, overtook the police car, and then accelerated into the crowd. We currently estimate that at least 28 people have been injured, some seriously.”
Bavarian Governor Markus Söder described the event as a potential terror attack, saying:
“We must change something—and quickly. The migration crisis in Germany is escalating, and it’s time for stricter policies.”
Authorities are still trying to determine whether Farhad deliberately targeted the demonstrators or if the attack was accidental. However, sources suggest that his actions, combined with his online posts, point towards a deliberate attack.
Calls for immediate action
Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued a strong statement in response to the attack:
“This perpetrator cannot hope for any leniency. He must be punished and he must leave the country.”
The incident has fuelled further discussions on Germany’s handling of asylum seekers with criminal records. Critics argue that the current system is too lenient, allowing dangerous individuals to remain in the country even after their asylum claims are rejected.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter expressed his shock over the incident, saying:
“I am deeply shocked. My thoughts are with the injured.”
The Verdi trade union, which organised the demonstration, also condemned the attack. Claudia Weber, the union’s managing director in Munich, described the situation as “unbelievable” and “terrifying” for those who participated in the protest.
More Read
A pattern of violence
The attack in Munich is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to asylum seekers and individuals with suspected Islamist ties in Germany. On the same day, an Afghan man with suspected extremist sympathies stood trial for a separate attack in Mannheim, where he fatally stabbed a police officer and injured five others during an anti-Islam protest.
Additionally, in December, a car rammed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing two and injuring nearly 70 people. The suspect, who drove a BMW through the busy market, was later arrested.
These incidents have intensified demands for stricter immigration policies ahead of the upcoming German elections. Both centre-right and far-right political parties are vowing to take tougher action against migrant crime, particularly in light of the growing concerns over public safety.
Investigation and public response
Munich Police have set up a witness collection point at the Löwenbräukeller in Stiglmaierplatz, urging anyone who saw the incident to come forward with information. They have also asked the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate without disruption.
Meanwhile, political leaders continue to debate how to prevent such attacks in the future. While some argue for a complete overhaul of Germany’s asylum policies, others emphasise the need for better law enforcement and surveillance to track potential threats.
As Germany grapples with the aftermath of yet another violent incident, one thing is clear: the country’s approach to immigration and deportation is under intense scrutiny, and calls for reform are growing louder.
