Berlin Pride Attack: Van Plows Into Crowd, Killing One and Injuring 16
A van drove into a group of people gathered for Berlin's LGBTQ+ pride event on Saturday night, killing one person and injuring at least 16 others, police said. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. in the Tiergarten park, near the Brandenburg Gate, where the pride celebrations were taking place.
Police ordered the immediate cancellation of the event and a concert, urging everyone to leave the area. Ambulances and firefighters attended to the injured, some of whom suffered life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.
Berlin Police identified a suspect who they say had ties to Islamic circles in the German capital. Spokesperson Florian Nath stated that the suspect, a Berlin resident already known to police, was being sought. “Based on the investigators’ initial findings, we have already identified a suspected perpetrator,” Nath said. “He is known to us as a member of Islamic circles here in Berlin.”
The white van struck several people before colliding with a tree. More than 2,200 police officers had been deployed throughout the day to protect pride events. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner called the attack “the most brutal manner” of targeting a peaceful rally, adding, “This is an attack on our free and cosmopolitan society.”
Authorities appealed for witnesses to share photos or videos and set up a crisis hotline for those searching for missing individuals. The pride event at the Brandenburg Gate was called off at 10:15 p.m., and a band's performance was interrupted. Before the attack, thousands had marched peacefully through the city with floats and music.
Attendee Julian Miethig described the scene as “a dark day for the community.” The investigation continues.
