Manhunt Underway in Berlin After Deadly Attack at Pride Festival

Attack at Berlin’s Pride Festival

A 21-year-old suspect is being hunted after driving a vehicle into a crowd at Berlin’s Pride festival, resulting in one death and sixteen injuries. The incident occurred in Tiergarten park near the Brandenburg Gate on Saturday night, around 10 p.m. local time. Reports indicate that several attendees were also stabbed during the attack.

Casualty Details

Berlin’s fire department spokesperson, Dominik Pretz, disclosed that three of the injured are in life-threatening conditions. Among the remainder, eight have serious injuries, and five suffered minor injuries.

Suspect Information

Authorities have named the suspect as Abdul B., a known member of “Islamist circles” in Berlin. Police released his photograph and appealed for public assistance in locating him. Florian Nath, the police spokesperson, stated that the search for Abdul B. is underway, though the motive remains unclear.

“Our search for this person is proceeding at full speed,” said police spokesperson Florian Nath.

Political and Public Reaction

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the incident as a “heinous act,” calling for a thorough investigation. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt expressed shock at the attack on peaceful celebrants. Alfonso Pantisano, the Berlin state government’s Queer Liaison Officer, lamented on social media about the disruption of what was meant to be a joyful occasion. The attack drew international sympathy, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirming support for the victims and highlighting the significance of Pride events.

“Every person should be able to live, love, and stand up for their rights without fear,” wrote Ursula von der Leyen on social media.

Vehicle and Suspect Description

The suspect injured several individuals and then left the vehicle, which crashed into a tree in Tiergarten park. A photograph shows a white vehicle inside the police cordon suspected to be involved in the attack. Abdul B. is described as slim, approximately 1.9 meters tall, with black hair, wearing a black hoodie and white pants.

The public has been advised to avoid direct contact with the suspect, who may be armed and dangerous.

Impact On Pride Celebrations

Saturday’s Pride event, one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, attracted hundreds of thousands to Berlin. Following the attack, festivities were abruptly halted after 10:15 p.m., with further celebrations canceled amid ongoing investigations.