The incident occurred during a union rally in Munich
At least fifteen people have been injured after a car plowed into a crowd during a union rally in Munich, Germany, local media have reported. According to reports citing eyewitness, the car deliberately drove into the crowd. Bystanders also claimed there were two attackers, one of whom was shot by police and carried away.
The Munich police department confirmed the incident in a statement on X. “A vehicle drove into a group of people. We have strong forces on site,” the statement read, without providing details on the number of injured.
A further statement claimed officers had been able to capture the driver and he “currently poses no further danger.”
The police warned there will be traffic disruptions in the area while they probe the incident, and asked local residents to avoid the scene so as not to interfere with the work of the emergency services.
The rally at which the incident occurred was organized by the United Services Union, or Verdi, the second largest trade union in Germany after IG Metal.
Martin Hagen, the chairman of the FDP Bavaria, who was near the crime scene, said on X the incident took place at Munich’s Konigsplatz. He noted that police and emergency teams are already working at the site, and several medical helicopters are circling the area.
There is currently no information about the motive for the attack or the background of the attackers.
The rally was part of the what the union called a one-day “warning strike” involving public sector employees that was to be held today. Workers demanding an 8% pay increase for municipal workers, or at least €350 per month, higher bonuses, and additional days off.
Following the incident, the union called off its rally. Later reports indicated that several children were among those injured. Commenting on the incident, Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter said he was “deeply shocked” by what happened. He confirmed that police have detained the suspected assailant, but said his exact background is still unclear.