An Afghan Munich attack suspect has received a life sentence after a German court found him guilty of carrying out the deadly 2025 Munich car-ramming attack that killed a mother and her two-year-old daughter. The ruling concludes one of Germany’s most high-profile terrorism-related trials in recent years and has renewed debate over immigration and national security.
Afghan Munich Attack Ends With Life Sentence
A Munich court sentenced Farhad N., a 25-year-old Afghan national, to life imprisonment after convicting him of:
- Two counts of murder
- Twenty-three counts of attempted murder
- Twenty-two counts of causing bodily harm, including nineteen serious injuries
Judges ruled that the crimes involved “particular gravity of guilt,” making it highly unlikely that he will qualify for early release.
Mother and Daughter Lost Their Lives
The attack occurred in February 2025 when Farhad N. drove a Mini Cooper into a trade union demonstration attended by around 1,400 people.
Investigators said he bypassed a police vehicle before accelerating into the crowd.
A 37-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter suffered catastrophic head injuries and later died in hospital.
Dozens of other people sustained injuries, and many continue to recover from the physical and emotional trauma.
The court described the crash scene as an area filled with debris and victims spread across a wide section of the road.
Court Describes Deliberate Attack
Presiding Judge Michael Hoehne said the victims had intentionally walked near the back of the march because they believed the stronger police presence would make the event safer.
The judge added that the vehicle stopped only after hitting multiple people, which prevented an even greater loss of life.
Farhad N. remained expressionless as the court announced the verdict.
Investigation Reveals Online Radicalisation
Prosecutors said the attacker shouted “Allahu Akbar” immediately after the incident.
Authorities believe religious extremism motivated the attack, but investigators found no evidence that directly linked him to an organised terrorist group such as the so-called Islamic State.
Investigators instead concluded that extremist online content had influenced his radicalisation during the months before the attack.
The court also noted that he struggled with loneliness and psychological issues. However, medical experts determined that he remained fully responsible for his actions.
Attack Influenced German Political Debate
Farhad N. arrived in Germany in 2016 as an unaccompanied minor.
Although authorities rejected his asylum application, they allowed him to remain in the country. He later found work in the private security sector.
The Munich attack occurred just days before Germany’s 2025 federal election.
The incident intensified the national debate over immigration and security. Political parties responded by calling for stricter border controls and stronger public safety measures.
