Munich Attack Sparks Security Concerns Ahead of Election

A car driven by an Afghan asylum seeker injured 28 in Munich, reigniting security concerns ahead of the federal election. The incident happened just before the Munich Security Conference, with political leaders emphasizing law enforcement and immigration policies as dominant campaign topics.

A suspected attack in Munich, Germany, has left 28 people injured when a car allegedly driven by an Afghan asylum seeker ploughed into a demonstration crowd on Thursday. The incident occurred just days before the federal election and hours ahead of the Munich Security Conference, prompting renewed focus on security and immigration issues.

Bavarian authorities reported that the car, a white Mini Cooper, accelerated towards police vehicles before hitting bystanders. A shot was fired at the suspect, a 24-year-old man known to police for prior drug and shoplifting violations. His motive remains unclear, and he is currently detained, according to police.

Immigration and security are dominating the election discourse, with conservative candidate Friedrich Merz emphasizing law and order. Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed severe legal consequences for the perpetrator. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party also seized on the event, criticizing Germany's immigration policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)