German Media Reveal New Details On Afghan Suspect In Munich Vehicle Attack

German media have reported new details regarding the Afghan suspect involved in the Munich vehicle attack, which left 30 people injured.

Initial reports had suggested that the suspect, an Afghan asylum seeker, was linked to shoplifting. However, officials have now denied these claims.

According to Der Spiegel, Joachim Herrmann, Bavaria’s Interior Minister, confirmed that the suspect had valid residence documents and a work permit at the time of the attack.

The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, arrived in Germany as an unaccompanied minor asylum seeker in late 2016. His asylum application was rejected in 2020, and the German government requested his departure. However, Munich authorities later granted him a residence permit in October 2021.

Herrmann clarified that the suspect had pursued education and completed vocational training before working as a security officer for two security firms.

The minister also addressed the earlier reports linking the suspect to shoplifting, stating that he was not a suspect but a witness in theft cases.

Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder told German media that the suspect had no known criminal record and was not subject to deportation orders.

Söder confirmed that although the suspect’s asylum request had been denied, he had been granted legal permission to live and work in Munich.

Authorities have so far found no evidence of extremist tendencies in the suspect’s background. Söder stressed that further investigations are needed to determine the motive behind the attack.

The 24-year-old suspect carried out the attack on Thursday, targeting a labour gathering in Munich. Several of the injured victims remain in critical condition.

German police have arrested the suspect, categorising the incident as a suspicious attack.

The incident occurred just two kilometres from the Munich Security Conference venue, which commenced on Friday with high-profile attendees, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. However, Bavarian officials stated that there is no evidence linking the attack to the conference.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for severe action against the attacker, stressing that he must be punished and deported following due legal process.

As the investigation continues, authorities are closely examining the suspect’s background and potential motives while ensuring heightened security across the city.