Manhunt for Suspect After Deadly Attack at Berlin Pride Festival

A search is ongoing for a 21-year-old suspect after a vehicle drove into a crowd at Berlin’s Pride festival, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to 16 others. The incident occurred in Tiergarten park at about 10 p.m. local time, near the Brandenburg Gate. There are reports of several stabbings during the attack as well.

Three individuals have life-threatening injuries, according to Dominik Pretz, spokesman for Berlin’s fire department. Eight people have been seriously injured, and five sustained minor injuries.

Authorities released a photo of the suspect, identified as Abdul B., who is allegedly linked to ‘Islamist circles’ in Berlin. Both police and prosecutors have requested public assistance in locating him.

“Our search for this person is proceeding at full speed,” said police spokesperson Florian Nath, noting that the investigation has not yet determined the motives.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack, calling it a ‘heinous act,’ and stressed the importance of mutual kindness and tolerance. He assured that the attack would be investigated with rigorous severity. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt expressed being shocked by the ‘cowardly, abhorrent attack’ targeting peaceful celebrations.

Alfonso Pantisano, the Queer Liaison Officer for the Berlin state government, expressed that the day which was supposed to symbolize joy and freedom had been compromised. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended her sympathy to the victims and reiterated the festival’s message of ‘freedom, dignity, and equality.’

Authorities reported that the suspect, Abdul B., injured numerous people with the vehicle before abandoning it. A white vehicle suspected in the attack was found crashed into a tree within the police cordon. 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 warned to avoid contact with the suspect, as he is potentially armed and dangerous.

Hundreds of thousands attended Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration in Berlin on Saturday. The parade had earlier passed through the affected park. All Pride events were halted by 10:15 p.m. following the attack.