Mother and child succumb to injuries following Munich car attack

 

Germany has been mourning the attack which took place on Thursday

Mother and Child Die Following Munich Car Attack

A 37-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter have died from injuries sustained in Thursday’s car attack in Munich, German police confirmed.

At least 37 people were injured when a vehicle was deliberately driven into a crowd at a trade union rally. The suspect, identified by local media as 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker Farhad N., was arrested at the scene and has admitted to carrying out the attack. Authorities say he appeared to be religiously motivated.

The mother and child were among those hospitalized with serious injuries. “Unfortunately, we have to confirm the deaths today of the two-year-old child and her 37-year-old mother,” police spokesman Ludwig Waldinger told AFP on Saturday.

The attack has reignited security concerns just a week before Germany’s federal elections. Munich has seen multiple attacks involving immigrants, including two linked to Afghan nationals. The incident also took place on the eve of the Munich Security Conference, which began on Friday.

Upon arriving in the city, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance expressed condolences to the victims.

Suspect’s Background

Authorities say the suspect arrived in Germany in 2016. Although his asylum application was denied, he was allowed to stay due to risks of deportation to Afghanistan. He had a valid residence and work permit and no prior criminal record. Police say there is no evidence of ties to jihadist groups, and he appeared to act alone.

During questioning, the suspect admitted to intentionally driving his Mini Cooper into the crowd. Munich public prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann stated that he shouted “Allahu Akbar” upon his arrest, suggesting a possible Islamist motive.

Impact on German Elections

Germany’s upcoming election on 23 February has been dominated by heated debates over migration, following a series of violent incidents linked to asylum seekers.

In December, six people were killed and nearly 300 injured when a 50-year-old Saudi asylum seeker drove into a Christmas market. In January, a two-year-old child and a bystander were killed in a stabbing attack in Aschaffenburg, allegedly carried out by a 28-year-old Afghan asylum seeker.

The recent surge in violence has fueled support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, further intensifying the political climate ahead of the vote.