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Deadly Attack at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day Celebrations
A white car crashed into a crowd during Berlin’s annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations on Saturday evening, killing one person and injuring 16 others, with some reported to be in critical condition . The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 PM local time in Tiergarten park, near the iconic Brandenburg Gate, where the city’s Christopher Street Day celebrations were taking place .
According to police, the vehicle drove into the park and struck several people before crashing into a tree and being abandoned by the driver . Witnesses reported hearing a “dull bang” before chaos erupted, with emergency services rushing to the scene . The Pride event was immediately cancelled, with “Evacuation” projected onto a large screen as attendees were urged to leave the area .
Manhunt for Suspect with Islamist Links
Berlin police have identified a 21-year-old suspect named Abdul B., described as a German citizen of Lebanese background with ties to “Islamist circles” in Berlin . The suspect, who is approximately 1.90 meters (6 foot 2) tall with a slim build, black hair, and was last seen wearing a black hooded top and white trousers, remains at large .
Police have warned that the suspect may be armed and dangerous, urging the public not to approach him . Authorities have expanded the search to the entire city, deploying thousands of officers and using helicopters and thermal imaging cameras . There are also concerns that more than one person may have been involved, as some victims reportedly suffered stab wounds in addition to injuries from the vehicle .
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as an “Islamist terror attack,” citing evidence of the suspect’s prior radicalization and criminal record . He confirmed that the suspect had previously been sentenced to 1 year and 10 months in prison, which was commuted to parole .
Condemnation and Response
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner expressed shock, calling the attack “an attack on our free and cosmopolitan society” . German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the “heinous act” and vowed that the attack would be fully investigated . The city has activated a crisis hotline for those seeking information about missing friends or family members .
