BERLIN — At least 28 people were injured, including children, when a driver deliberately plowed into a labor union demonstration in central Munich on Thursday morning. This incident, which authorities are treating as a targeted attack, took place around 10:30 AM local time and involved a car overtaking a police vehicle that was escorting the crowd and then accelerating into the group, according to reports.

The suspect, identified as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker, has been arrested after police fired shots at his vehicle during the incident. Deputy police chief Christian Huber confirmed the injuries, some serious, and he stated that a damaged Mini Cooper was left at the scene, surrounded by personal belongings including shoes and bags. The Bavarian governor, Markus Söder, expressed his concern, saying, "It is suspected to be an attack — a lot points to that," as he visited the scene to offer support to the victims.

The attack comes in the wake of rising tensions surrounding migration in Germany, especially as the country approaches a pivotal election on February 23. The suspect had reportedly been known to authorities for previous offenses related to theft and drugs, raising questions about immigration policies in the country.

Bavaria’s state interior minister, Joachim Herrmann, revealed that the suspect's asylum application had been rejected but that authorities had been unable to deport him. "This incident is evidence that we can’t just go from attack to attack and show dismay,” Herrmann said, adding, "This is not the first such act... something must change in Germany, and quickly."

Officials are investigating indications of an extremist background related to the suspect, who also reportedly had posted Islamist content on social media. The Bavarian Central Office for Combating Extremism and Terrorism is leading the investigation into this incident, amidst increased security measures in Munich due to the upcoming Munich Security Conference, which will welcome international leaders.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, labeling it "a terrible act," and emphasized that anyone committing crimes in Germany should face severe repercussions, including deportation. He announced that his government has already taken steps to reduce irregular migration and stated, "Anyone who commits crimes in Germany will not just be punished severely and have to go to prison, but must expect that he cannot continue his stay in Germany."

The Munich incident follows several recent attacks involving immigrants that have intensified public and political scrutiny over migration policies, underscoring an ongoing debate among party leaders. Conservative figures, including Friedrich Merz, have criticized the current government for its perceived leniency on immigration, fueling further calls for stricter immigration controls.

As investigations progress into the motivations behind the attack, authorities continue to assure the public that measures are being taken to enhance security and public safety in the region. The situation remains tense as local and national leaders grapple with the ramifications of this event and its implications for policy ahead of the forthcoming elections.

For further information, you can read more from the Los Angeles Times, the Independent, and HuffPost.