Munich Attack: Afghan National Admits to Purposeful Drive into Crowd, Islamist Motive Determined
Background
An Afghan national has admitted to purposefully driving into a crowd in the German city of Munich, resulting in at least 36 people, including a toddler, being injured. The attack occurred on Thursday, and authorities have determined an Islamist motive for the crime.
Investigation
Lead prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann announced that the 24-year-old suspect, identified as Farhad Noori, has admitted to deliberately driving into the participants of the demonstration. Noori, who is under investigation on 36 counts of attempted murder, spoke German in a two-hour interrogation. Tilmann stated that, based on the available evidence, an Islamist motivation for the crime is likely.
Suspect’s Background
According to Tilmann, Noori used social media to present himself as a bodybuilder and an athlete, and had also posted religious content. He arrived in Germany as an unaccompanied minor in 2016 and was in Germany legally, working as a store detective. Noori did not have any prior convictions and was not due for deportation.
Police Investigation
Police fired on the suspect’s car after the attack, but he was not hit. According to Tilmann, Noori subsequently said the words "Allahu akbar" ("God is greatest") and prayed in the presence of police. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities evaluating the suspect’s communications, mostly in Dari, a language spoken in Afghanistan, and items obtained during searches to determine whether anyone had prior knowledge of the crime or was involved.
Political Reactions
The attack has raised concerns about security ahead of next week’s federal election, with immigration and security issues dominating the campaign. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has pledged to prioritize security, while the far-right AfD has focused on the suspect’s legal status in Germany.
Conclusion
The Munich attack has sent shockwaves through the country, highlighting the need for increased security measures ahead of the upcoming election. As authorities continue to investigate the motivations behind the attack, the German public is left to grapple with the implications of this senseless act of violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the attack?
A: A 24-year-old Afghan national, identified as Farhad Noori, drove into a crowd of demonstrators in Munich, injuring at least 36 people, including a toddler.
Q: What is the motive behind the attack?
A: Authorities believe the attack was motivated by Islamist ideology.
Q: Was the suspect affiliated with any terrorist organizations?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that the suspect was affiliated with any Islamist or terrorist organizations.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with authorities evaluating the suspect’s communications and items obtained during searches to determine whether anyone had prior knowledge of the crime or was involved.