Munich Car Rampage: 28 Injured Before Elections—Terror Fear

A vehicle plowed into a crowd in central Munich on Thursday, injuring at least 28 people—two critically—in an incident German authorities are investigating for potential extremist ties. Police confirmed the detained suspect, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, acted alone and posed "no further threat" following his immediate arrest.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack in a press briefing, vowing, "This perpetrator will face the full force of the law. There will be no mercy; he must be punished and deported." The assault has reignited fierce debates over immigration and national security just 10 days before Germany’s pivotal federal elections.

With asylum policies dominating campaign rhetoric, the Munich incident amplifies concerns about public safety. Recent months have seen multiple violent crimes linked to asylum seekers, including a fatal stabbing in Dresden and a bomb threat in Berlin. Police disclosed "preliminary evidence of extremist motives" in Thursday’s attack but stressed the investigation remains ongoing.

Analysts warn the timing could sway undecided voters, particularly as conservative opposition leaders demand stricter border controls and accelerated deportations. The ruling coalition, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure to address systemic gaps in asylum vetting procedures.