At least 28 hurt after car hits demonstrating union workers in Munich

Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Munich authorities said at least 28 people were injured, several critically, after a Mini Cooper slammed into trade union demonstrators on Thursday.

Authorities said they believed the incident was intentional and a suspect was in custody. They said the vehicle sped past a police car following behind the protesters and then started hitting them from behind.

Authorities said that children were among the injured.

Local police identified the suspect as a 24-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan who had his application denied but his deportation decision was suspended under what is called a "tolerance" permit.

Officials said he had been on the police radar for past theft and drug charges. Authorities did not release his name.

Bavarian State Minister Georg Eisenreich said the Bavarian Central Office for Combatting Extremism and Terrorism has taken over the investigation.

"I am deeply shocked," Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter, told local media about the incident, according to BBC News. "My thoughts are with the injured."

German trade union, Verdi, organized the demonstration calling for a municipal childcare workers strike on Thursday, demanding a bump in wages and improved working conditions.

The crash comes the day before the Munich Security Conference, which leaders throughout the world will attend, including Vice President JD Vance. Vance is expected to deliver Trump's agenda, including having European countries take more responsibility for their own affairs.

Many European leaders showed their support for Ukraine at the conference two years ago, but the meeting may take a different shift with President Donald Trump calling for peace and for Ukraine to possibly surrender Russian-occupied territory.