An Afghan bodybuilder has been arrested after a car was plowed into a crowd in Munich, Germany, injuring 36 people, with two, including a toddler, in critical condition. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when a Mini Cooper drove into a group of trade union strikers on Seidlstrasse. Authorities suspect the act may be linked to Islamist extremism, as revealed in a Friday morning police statement.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Farhad Noori, reportedly confessed to intentionally driving into the crowd. German anti-terror police are leading the investigation. Noori, who emigrated from Kabul in 2016, had an asylum application denied by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. However, due to security concerns in Afghanistan, he was allowed to stay in Germany anyway.
Noori’s social media presence shows indications of extremist connections, including posts that were reportedly supportive of Islamist ideologies. His now-deactivated accounts also showcased his passion for bodybuilding, a sport in which he competed nationally.
The attack occurred near the Munich Security Conference, attended by international leaders, including Vice President J.D. Vance.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for firm action against Noori, stressing that he should face punishment and deportation. However, had the authorities removed or detained him after his asylum claim was initially rejected, the attack could have been preempted.
