Afghan Attacker’s Vehicle Assault Driven By Religious Motive, Says Munich Prosecutor

German federal prosecutors have indicated that the Afghan refugee responsible for injuring dozens in a vehicle attack on Thursday did so with a “religious motive”, reportedly shouting “Allahu Akbar” during his arrest.

According to the prosecutor, the suspect confessed during interrogation that he deliberately drove his vehicle into a crowd at a workers’ gathering. The attack, which occurred on 15 February, left 39 people injured, with some reported to be in critical condition.

German media have identified the suspect as Farhad Noori, an Afghan refugee active on social media under that name. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann confirmed that the 24-year-old had valid residency documents and was legally permitted to work. Herrmann explained that Noori arrived in Germany as an unaccompanied minor in late 2016, had his asylum application rejected in 2020, and was later granted a residence permit in October 2021.

Herrmann further noted that the refugee had attended school and completed a vocational training programme, subsequently working as a security officer for two security companies. He clarified that earlier reports erroneously linked Noori to shoplifting cases, asserting that he was in fact only a witness. According to Der Spiegel, no decision has yet been made regarding the extension of Noori’s residence permit, though it remains valid until further notice.

Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder told German media that the suspect does not appear to have a criminal record and was not subject to deportation. In reaction to the incident, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that the attacker must be punished and expelled from Germany, adding that all legal measures should be taken if the incident is determined to be an attack.

During a visit to the attack site on Friday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier remarked that the incident had shocked and deeply concerned the public. Some Afghan politicians and activists have also condemned the attack, warning of its potential negative impact on the acceptance and living conditions of Afghan refugees in Germany.

Although authorities have yet to confirm that the incident constitutes an act of terrorism, experts warn that the timing—just before the upcoming elections—could have significant repercussions on the public perception of Afghan refugees in the country.