Berlin: A peaceful Pride celebration in Germany’s capital turned into a tragedy after a van drove into a crowd near the Christopher Street Day (CSD) Pride festival, killing one person and injuring at least 16 others.
The incident occurred Saturday night as thousands of people gathered in Berlin for one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations. Authorities ended the event shortly after the crash and urged attendees to leave the area.
Police Identify Suspect in Investigation
Berlin police said they have identified a suspect connected to the incident, but the individual had not been arrested at the time of the announcement.
Police spokesperson Florian Nath said the suspect was known to authorities and had links to Islamic circles in Berlin. However, officials emphasized that the motive behind the incident remained unclear and that investigators were still working to determine the exact circumstances.
“We still have no information regarding the specific motive or the suspect’s exact role,” police officials said.
Authorities are continuing witness interviews and reviewing available evidence, including possible photos and videos recorded at the scene.
Van Hits Crowd Near Tiergarten Park
According to investigators, a white van entered the Tiergarten park area around 10 p.m., near the route previously used by the Pride parade.
The vehicle struck several people before crashing into a tree. Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, and medical teams, quickly arrived to assist the injured.
Some victims reportedly suffered serious injuries, and officials initially warned that some conditions were life-threatening.
Police also investigated reports that some injured individuals may have suffered possible stab wounds, though authorities said it was too early to confirm those details.
Berlin Pride Celebration Canceled
The incident forced organizers to cancel the remaining Pride festivities, including a scheduled concert near the Brandenburg Gate.
Police asked attendees to leave the area and avoid routes through the park while emergency operations continued.
Before the crash, the event had been peaceful, with large crowds celebrating through music, dancing, and a parade featuring around 80 floats.
Officials Condemn Attack
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner expressed shock over the incident, describing it as an attack on the city’s values of tolerance and openness.
He praised emergency workers and said authorities would continue investigating to establish what happened.
The city also activated a crisis hotline for people searching for missing relatives or friends and encouraged witnesses to provide any information that could assist investigators.
Thousands Gathered for Christopher Street Day
Hundreds of thousands of people had traveled to Berlin for the annual Christopher Street Day celebration, a major LGBTQ+ event that promotes equality and diversity.
Participants said the tragedy created a moment of sadness for the community after a day that had begun with celebration and unity.
One attendee described the incident as a devastating moment for the Pride community, calling it a “dark day” after what had been a peaceful celebration.
Investigation Continues
Authorities remain focused on determining the motive behind the crash and whether it was a deliberate attack.
Security officials are reviewing evidence while police continue searching for the identified suspect.
