Authorities are searching for a 21-year-old suspect following a tragic incident at Berlin’s Pride festival on Saturday night. A woman was killed and 16 others were injured when a vehicle was driven into a crowd. The event occurred in Tiergarten park near the Brandenburg Gate around 10 p.m. local time. Additionally, several people were reportedly stabbed during the attack, according to officials.
Berlin’s fire department spokesman, Dominik Pretz, revealed that three individuals have life-threatening injuries. Eight are seriously injured, and five sustained minor injuries.
Police shared a photo of the suspect, named Abdul B., who is allegedly associated with “Islamist circles” in Berlin. Both police and prosecutors are seeking information from the public to locate Abdul B.
“Our search for this person is proceeding at full speed,” stated police spokesperson Florian Nath. He mentioned that investigators do not yet know the suspect’s motives.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz denounced the incident, describing it as a “heinous act.” He emphasized the importance of kindness and tolerance in society and pledged a thorough investigation.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt expressed his dismay over the “cowardly, abhorrent attack on peaceful celebrants.” Alfonso Pantisano, Berlin’s state Queer Liaison Officer, lamented on social media that Saturday should have been a day for joy and freedom.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended her condolences to the victims. She stated that Pride events represent “freedom, dignity, and equality” and stressed that everyone should live without fear.
Authorities believe Abdul B. used a vehicle to harm several individuals before leaving the scene. An image of the suspected vehicle, which crashed into a tree, was circulated within police barriers.
The suspect is described as 1.9 meters tall with a slim build, black hair, wearing a black hoodie and white pants. Police have advised the public to avoid “direct contact” with the suspect as he may be armed and dangerous.
Thousands attended the Pride festival, one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ events. The attack led to the cancellation of ongoing celebrations shortly after 10:15 p.m.
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