At least 20 people sustained injuries on Thursday when a vehicle struck a crowd in Munich, according to police. Initial reports suggest some victims suffered critical injuries.
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder classified the incident as a potential attack. Police identified the 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeking suspect, noting a prior criminal record.
Eyewitness Trey Yingst reported observing an individual receiving medical assistance for injuries at the scene.
Munich police are appealing for witnesses to share any relevant video footage or information.
This event unfolded approximately one mile from the venue of Friday’s Munich Security Conference (MSC), Reuters reported. Attendees are expected to include Vice President Kamala Harris and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
A spokesperson for the vice president confirmed to Digital that Harris and President Zelenskyy will meet during the conference, likely focusing on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s participation in this meeting was also reported.
While President Biden has publicly expressed his commitment to ending the war and urged both Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin to negotiate, a European official indicated to that the U.S. lacks a concrete peace plan.
“Munich is premature for unveiling a Ukraine peace plan,” the official stated, adding, “Negotiations between Biden, Zelenskyy, and Putin will be challenging. All options for ending the violence are on the table – the course of action rests with President Biden. Further sanctions remain a possibility.”
The MSC’s annual conference aims to facilitate discussions among global leaders on international conflicts and potential resolutions.
The MSC’s official X account expressed sorrow regarding the morning’s tragic incident in Munich’s city center, extending condolences to the victims and their families.
The MSC also urged city residents to maintain calm and adhere to police instructions.