German authorities canceled a popular Pride festival in Berlin on Saturday after a van rammed into a crowd, killing at least one person and injuring 16 others. The incident occurred during the annual Christopher Street Day event, an LGBTQ+ Pride celebration that drew hundreds of thousands of participants. Police said several of the injuries are life-threatening.
The suspect, described by Berlin police as a person known to authorities and linked to Islamic circles in the city, remained at large late Saturday. Police spokesman Florian Nath confirmed that the individual is known to police as a member of Islamic circles in Berlin, but added that investigators have no information about specific motives or the exact sequence of events. A manhunt is underway, and authorities have detained one person believed to be involved with the Islamist scene in Berlin, though it remains unclear if that individual was the driver.
The van struck the crowd near Tiergarten park, not far from Brandenburg Gate, where the festival's main stage and closing show were scheduled. After plowing into people, the vehicle hit a tree, police said. More than 2,000 officers had been deployed to protect the event since it began Saturday morning. Emergency responders treated the injured at the scene, and police later updated that several victims are in critical condition.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the attack in a statement on social media, calling it an assault on the city's free and open society. «It is an attack on our free and open society — after a peaceful and colorful CSD, the assembly for a tolerant and peaceful Berlin was attacked in the most brutal way,» Wegner wrote. He added that Berlin is the city of freedom, and that freedom was attacked in the most horrific way. He expressed his thoughts for the victims and thanked emergency services.
The Christopher Street Day festival is one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ Pride events, typically featuring a parade and cultural performances. This year's edition had drawn hundreds of thousands of attendees. The attack has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about security at large public gatherings. Police continue to investigate whether additional suspects may be involved, and a search is ongoing.