A massive search operation is underway across Berlin after a serious incident struck the LGBTQ+ Pride parade in the heart of the German capital, leaving one dead and 16 others injured.
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Berlin law enforcement has announced that the suspect is a 21-year-old man named Abdul B., who remains at large. According to official statements, he is considered dangerous and may be armed, so residents have been urged not to approach him for any reason.
Authorities describe the suspect as a slim male with dark hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and white pants. His height is estimated at around 1.90 meters.
Investigators believe Abdul B. was the person behind the wheel of the vehicle that sped into the crowd gathered near Tiergarten park around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, injuring many people. Police also have information that one or more individuals may have exited the vehicle after the impact.
Reconstruction of the event – Shortly before 10:00 p.m., police forces reported that a white car drove into the Tiergarten area and struck participants gathered for the Pride event. Some of those injured were confirmed to be in serious condition.
After the collision, the car hit a tree and was later found abandoned within the park area. Police secured a perimeter and immediately began searching for the suspected perpetrator or perpetrators.
The Berlin Pride event was interrupted, and attendees were instructed to evacuate through the Brandenburg Gate. Officials closed off sections of Tiergarten park and deployed extensive searches with support from aircraft and thermal-imaging cameras.
During the night hours, about 30 individuals received medical assistance on site due to shock, the Berlin fire service reported.
Profile of the suspect – In the initial moments after the incident, police said they had identified a person as a suspect, who was already known to law enforcement and had ties to Islamist circles in Berlin.
Police spokesperson Florian Nath emphasized that the operation to apprehend him was continuing with maximum intensity and that the search area had expanded from Tiergarten to the entire city.
Police are continuing to interview witnesses and are asking the public to submit any photo or video material that could aid the investigation.
New information – In subsequent updates, authorities stated that some victims are believed to have suffered wounds from sharp objects during the incident. Investigators have not yet provided a full picture of the circumstances and have not officially confirmed the motive behind this attack.
Reactions from politics – Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner described the incident as an “attack against our free and open society.”
“Berlin is a city of freedom, and it is precisely this freedom that was attacked today in the most horrific way,” Wegner said, expressing solidarity with the victims and the emergency crews.
Along the same lines, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz strongly condemned the event, calling it a “terrible act” and promised a thorough investigation until the perpetrator is held accountable.
Continuation of the investigation – Berlin police are still in pursuit of Abdul B., while the causes of the attack, the possible involvement of other individuals, and the exact circumstances that led to the vehicle striking the crowd remain to be clarified.
The Berlin Pride parade, known as Christopher Street Day, is among the largest LGBTQ+ events on the European continent and this year had attracted thousands of visitors to the German capital.
