A devastating Munich car attack claimed the lives of a 37-year-old municipal worker and her 2-year-old daughter Thursday, with prosecutors confirming Islamist motivations behind the deadly ramming incident. The tragedy unfolded when a white Mini Cooper plowed into a Verdi trade union demonstration, injuring 37 bystanders including multiple children.
Key details emerging from Bavarian authorities:
- 24-year-old Afghan suspect held valid German residency permit
- Driver shouted 'Allahu Akbar' during arrest per eyewitnesses
- No prior terror links found despite clear ideological indoctrination
This was a deliberate act driven by distorted religious beliefs, not organizational terror strategy,stated Senior Prosecutor Gabriele Tillmann during a Friday press conference. Forensic teams continue examining the crash site near Odeonsplatz, where makeshift memorials now overflow with flowers and candles.
The attack marks Munich's deadliest vehicular assault since the 2016 Olympia Mall shooting. City officials have ordered increased security at public gatherings while urging citizens to avoid speculation about broader extremist networks. Religious leaders across Bavaria joined Mayor Dieter Reiter in condemning the violence as an attack on our shared humanity.
As tributes pour in for the victims, questions intensify about asylum screening processes and counter-radicalization measures. Interior Ministry data reveals Germany has foiled 24 Islamist plots since 2020, though this incident highlights persistent challenges in detecting lone-wolf attackers.
