A tragic incident in the southern German city of Munich has claimed the lives of a 37-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter, just two days after they were injured in a car attack, officials reported on Saturday.

Authorities previously indicated that the Thursday incident resulted in injuries to at least 39 individuals when a vehicle drove into a group participating in a symbolic strike organized by the Verdi trade union.

Investigation Points to Possible ‘Islamist Motive’

Police detained the suspected assailant, identified as an Afghan national, at the scene on Thursday.

By Friday, German authorities revealed their belief that the suspect had an “Islamist motive,” though they emphasized that there was no indication of ties to any terrorist groups.

Joachim Hermann, the interior minister of Bavaria, noted that there appeared to be no connection between the attack and the Munich Security Conference, which gathers international leaders.

Hermann informed the German DPA news agency that the suspect possessed a valid German residency and work permit, and had no prior criminal history.

The assault occurred just ahead of the elections on February 23, which have highlighted issues of migration and security during political campaigning.

Bavaria in Mourning — Reactions from Officials

Munich’s Mayor, Dieter Reiter, expressed his condolences via an Instagram post.

“My thoughts are with the families of the victims and their loved ones,” he stated, mentioning that the deceased was a city employee. “She and her daughter lost their lives while advocating for their union rights.”

In a video statement, he urged the public to comment on the incident with “respect” and to refrain from using it for “political propaganda.”

In a message shared on the platform X, Bavarian Premier Markus Söder remarked that the entire state is grieving following this tragedy.

“This is incredibly painful and utterly senseless,” he noted. “All of Bavaria mourns, and our thoughts are with the victims’ families — we also hope for the recovery of all the injured.”

Chancellor Scholz Promises Strict Consequences for the Offender

On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the site of the incident while attending the Munich Security Conference.

“Such events are unacceptable,” Scholz declared as he placed a rose at the attack site in Munich. “Those responsible should anticipate the harshest penalties.”

He added that anyone without residency rights in Germany should depart the country upon completing their sentence. Prosecutors confirmed that the suspect held a residence permit and had a job.

“Now, we must unite and ensure our country remains cohesive,” Scholz stated.

Edited by: Rana Taha