A devastating car-ramming attack in Munich, Germany, has claimed the lives of a 37-year-old mother and her 2-year-old daughter, days after they sustained critical injuries. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker Farhad Noori, allegedly drove a car into a crowd of people during a trade union demonstration, injuring 39 others.
Authorities believe the attack was intentional and religiously motivated, as Noori reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” upon arrest. The incident has sparked national outrage, intensifying debates about immigration policies and security concerns ahead of Germany’s upcoming federal election on February 23.
Details of the Attack
What Happened?
The attack occurred on Thursday, February 15, 2025, during a peaceful demonstration by trade union workers in Munich’s city center. According to eyewitnesses:
- A black SUV suddenly accelerated and ploughed into the crowd at high speed.
- People were thrown into the air, and several victims suffered life-threatening injuries.
- The driver, later identified as Farhad Noori, attempted to flee but was apprehended by police at the scene.
Victims and Injuries
- A 37-year-old woman and her 2-year-old daughter succumbed to their injuries two days after the attack.
- A total of 39 people were injured, including:
- Several children and elderly individuals.
- At least 10 people in critical condition.
Emergency responders described the scene as chaotic, with wounded victims lying on the street as paramedics rushed to provide aid.
Suspect Identified as Afghan Asylum Seeker
Who is Farhad Noori?
The suspect, 24-year-old Farhad Noori, is an Afghan national who arrived in Germany as an asylum seeker in 2020.
- He was previously known to authorities for petty crimes, but there was no official record of terrorism-related activities.
- Noori had been living in a refugee center in Munich and had recently been denied permanent residency status.
Religious Motivation?
According to German police, Noori shouted “Allahu Akbar” upon arrest and later prayed while in police custody.
- Authorities are investigating whether he had ties to extremist groups or if the attack was an act of lone-wolf terrorism.
- German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that early findings suggest the incident “was a deliberate act” and that Noori “targeted innocent civilians.”
Political and Public Reactions
Government Response
The attack has intensified discussions on immigration and security policies in Germany. With a federal election approaching on February 23, political leaders have reacted strongly:
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the attack “a horrifying act of violence against innocent people.”
- Right-wing parties, such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), have used the tragedy to call for stricter immigration laws.
- Protests erupted in several cities, with demonstrators demanding tighter border controls and stricter asylum policies.
Public Outrage
Social media has been flooded with anger and grief, with many demanding stronger measures to prevent similar attacks.
“A mother and her child are dead. How many more innocent lives must be lost before Germany takes action?” – A Munich resident on Twitter.
Others have defended Germany’s refugee policies, warning against scapegoating all asylum seekers for the actions of one individual.
Impact on Immigration and Security Policies
The Munich attack has reignited debates over:
- Germany’s asylum policies – Whether refugees should be subject to stricter background checks.
- Deportation laws – Calls for faster deportation of asylum seekers who pose a risk to security.
- Surveillance measures – Increased monitoring of radicalized individuals within asylum communities.
While some politicians argue that Germany must uphold its humanitarian obligations, others insist that national security must come first.
What Happens Next?
- Farhad Noori remains in police custody and is expected to face charges of murder, attempted murder, and terrorism-related offenses.
- Germany’s security agencies are conducting further investigations into his background and possible connections to extremist networks.
- With elections approaching, political leaders are under pressure to address growing public concerns about safety and immigration laws.
Conclusion
The Munich car-ramming attack has left two dead and 39 injured, sending shockwaves across Germany. With security and immigration concerns dominating the political landscape, the incident could have significant consequences for Germany’s asylum policies and upcoming elections.
As the nation mourns the loss of a mother and her young child, many are now demanding action to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
FAQs
1. Who was the suspect in the Munich attack?
The suspect is 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker Farhad Noori, who arrived in Germany in 2020.
2. What was the motive behind the attack?
Authorities believe the attack was deliberate and possibly religiously motivated, as Noori shouted “Allahu Akbar” upon arrest.
3. How many people were injured?
A total of 39 people were injured, with at least 10 in critical condition.
4. How has the German government responded?
Officials have condemned the attack and are now reassessing asylum and security policies.
5. Will this impact Germany’s immigration laws?
With elections approaching, the attack has intensified political debates over immigration and national security.
