German Authorities Seek Suspect in Van Incident Near Berlin’s Pride Festival

German authorities issued a wanted notice for a suspect involved in a van ramming incident near Berlin’s Pride festival. The incident resulted in one death and injuries to at least 16 people. Police and prosecutors are seeking assistance to locate 21-year-old Abdul B.

The suspect allegedly used a vehicle to injure multiple people on Saturday night before abandoning it. There were also reports of stabbing injuries. Authorities warned the public to avoid direct contact with Abdul B., as he may be armed and dangerous.

Police spokesperson Florian Nath stated that the suspect is known to police due to ties with Islamic groups in Berlin, but his specific motives remain unclear. Nath emphasized that the search for Abdul B. is proceeding swiftly.

“The suspect is known to police. He is known to us as a member of Islamic circles here in Berlin, and our search for this person is proceeding at full speed,” said Florian Nath.

A white van drove into Tiergarten park around 10 p.m., hitting several individuals and eventually crashing into a tree. The incident occurred during the closing party of the Pride festival known as Christopher Street Day, following a parade in central Berlin.

Authorities reported a woman was killed. Berlin’s fire service confirmed three individuals sustained life-threatening injuries, eight were seriously injured, and five others had minor injuries.

The Pride event near the Brandenburg Gate was halted at 10:15 p.m., with an onstage band’s performance interrupted. Attendees were advised to leave and avoid the park route. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt expressed shock at the attack, condemning it as a cowardly act against peaceful celebrations.

Berlin’s Pride festival attracted hundreds of thousands, making it one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ events. The exact number of people present at the time of the incident is unclear.