In Munich, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker drove his vehicle into a group of people on Thursday, injuring at least 30 individuals, according to police reports.

Authorities are treating this incident as a potential assault.

Here is what we know about the event so far.

Munich police reported that a Mini Cooper accelerated and crashed into the rear of a rally organized by the Verdi trade union, which coincided with a public sector strike. The incident occurred in the heart of Munich at the intersection of Karlstrasse and Seidlstrasse around 10:30 AM local time (11:30 GMT).

Striking workers from day-care facilities, hospitals, sanitation services, and public swimming pools were demanding improved wages and extended holidays.

At the time of the crash, approximately 1,500 people were headed to the rally’s final destination nearby.

Police officers fired a shot at the vehicle before apprehending the driver on the spot.

Due to the presence of emergency services in the vicinity for the rally, the suspect was quickly arrested and the injured were assisted, according to police.

It remains unclear if the alleged perpetrator sustained any injuries.

A spokesperson for the police stated they are investigating any potential connections between the demonstration and the incident.

The crash occurred just hours ahead of the arrival of the US Vice President and the President of Ukraine in town for the Munich Security Conference; however, police do not believe there is any connection to those events.

German authorities confirmed that at least 30 individuals were harmed, including two with serious injuries.

The local fire department mentioned that some victims were in a “critical condition”.

Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter noted that some of the injured included children.

Reports from Bavarian media indicate that the injured are receiving treatment at various hospitals in Munich, including a dedicated children’s hospital and the Munich Red Cross Clinic.

Among those injured were several municipal employees, as noted by Munich’s Deputy Mayor Dominik Krause.

Numerous participants of the trade union demonstration had brought their children along, which Krause emphasized made the act even more reprehensible.

The suspect, identified as Farhad N (full name withheld under German privacy laws), is a 24-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan.

According to German police, he lives in Munich, and his motivation remains unknown.

Bavaria’s state premier Markus Söder remarked to the press that it was likely an attack.

Bavarian interior minister Joachim Herrmann stated the suspect’s asylum application had been denied, although he was not expelled due to safety issues in Afghanistan.

Later, he clarified that the suspect held a valid residency and employment permit, confirming that there were no legitimate concerns about his status.

German Press Agency reports indicate that the suspect arrived in Germany in 2016 as an unaccompanied minor.

Initially, Herrmann mentioned that the suspect had prior police interactions, but he later explained that he had worked previously as a store detective and had been a witness in several theft incidents.

Counter-terrorism officials are now leading the investigation, as Söder noted that identifying previous extremist links may not be immediately apparent.

The suspect is scheduled for a court appearance on Friday.

The BBC’s Daniel Wittenberg, reporting from Munich, observed a stroller abandoned at the crash site, along with several umbrellas and safety jackets.

A severely damaged Mini Cooper was stopped at a pedestrian crossing in the middle of three lanes of traffic that had been restricted by police.

A woman employed at an orthopedic store located near the scene stated that a number of individuals rushed into the shop, appearing frantic and in tears.

Pedestrians reportedly fled into nearby shops and residential buildings for safety.

One student, who asked to remain anonymous, reported that the Mini Cooper accelerated before colliding with the crowd.

Another witness described the speed as sufficient to knock down 10 to 15 individuals.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that the suspect “must face consequences” and “should be removed from the country”.

He emphasized that “this individual should not expect any leniency,” according to a Reuters translation.

“If this was indeed an attack, we must act decisively against potential perpetrators using all available channels of justice,” he added.

Markus Söder mentioned that efforts are underway to “uncover all the details” surrounding the event.

He urged that this is not an isolated case and noted the uncertainty of future occurrences.

Söder underscored the importance of demonstrating resolve that change is required in Germany, alongside the compassion felt for the victims and hopes for their recovery.