German police have launched a manhunt for a suspect after a driver ploughed into a crowd at a Pride event in Berlin, killing at least one person and injuring 16 others. Detectives identified the suspect as 21-year-old Abdul B, who is said to have ties to Islamist groups.
Attack at Christopher Street Day
The incident occurred at approximately 10pm local time on Saturday during Christopher Street Day, one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ parades. A white minivan was driven into the crowd in the Tiergarten area. Several people are also believed to have been stabbed.
Police said one person was killed and at least 16 others were injured. The vehicle was found abandoned in Tiergarten after appearing to have crashed into a tree.
Extensive Manhunt Underway
An extensive manhunt has been launched across the German capital. Thousands of officers, as well as helicopters and thermal imaging cameras, have been deployed. Detectives have asked witnesses to send in photographs or videos that may help with the search.
Police spokesman Florian Nath said on Saturday: "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." He added that "we still have no information whatsoever regarding his specific motives, the exact sequence of events, or his role in the crime itself."
Political Reactions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the incident as a "despicable act." He wrote on X: "Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world were celebrating peacefully at Christopher Street Day. They wanted us to treat one another with kindness and tolerance. This is an attack on our society."
Berlin's mayor Kai Wegner said "it is an attack on our free and open society." He added that the Christopher Street Day Pride event was attacked in the "most brutal way." "Berlin is the city of freedom - and our freedom has been attacked in the most horrific way today," he said. "My thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends."
