At least 20 people were injured, some critically, when a car hit a crowd in Munich on Thursday. Police are investigating as the city prepares for the Munich Security Conference. High-profile attendees include U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

The Bild newspaper reported that authorities must determine if the driver of the Mini Cooper intentionally targeted the crowd. They also consider whether the driver confused the accelerator with the brake. Police announced on X that they have detained the driver. Officials stated the individual no longer poses a threat but declined to confirm if the incident was accidental.

A Munich police spokesperson said, “At least 20 people suffered injuries, some serious or critical.” Senior officials are arriving later on Thursday for the conference. Law enforcement launched a large-scale operation near the city’s central train station.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes. One person lay unconscious on the street. A young man was taken away by police. Bystanders sat on the ground, crying and trembling. The incident disrupted a demonstration linked to a strike organized by the Verdi union. However, the union has not provided updates about the event.

Police set up a witness gathering point at the Löwenbräukeller beer hall, one of Munich’s oldest establishments. The collision occurred around 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) from the security conference venue. With Germany under heightened security ahead of federal elections and recent violent attacks, this event has raised further concerns about public safety during major gatherings.