Berlin attacker drives van into Pride crowd, killing woman and injuring 16; suspect identified as Islamist, manhunt under way

The attack

Around 10 pm on Saturday, 25 July, a driver steered a white van into a crowd gathered in Tiergarten park, close to Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, where hundreds of thousands were celebrating the annual Christopher Street Day parade. The vehicle struck multiple people before hitting a tree. Witnesses quoted by Bild described the attacker as fleeing on foot after abandoning the van. Police immediately sealed off the area and, together with organisers, asked participants to leave the city centre.

Some of those injured were also hurt by a sharp object, according to a police statement cited by Ostdeutsche Allgemeine. A police spokesperson later confirmed the deployment of special units and helicopters, and said an investigation had been opened. The parade is one of the largest Pride events in Europe.

## Casualties One woman died at the scene, a death confirmed by Berlin police. By about 1 am on Sunday the official injury count stood at 16, though earlier reports had placed it at 14. Of those, three people were in a critical condition and eight were seriously hurt; five sustained lighter injuries. Fire services said another 30 people received psychological support. A hotline was set up for relatives seeking information: +49 (0) 30 8485 4460.

Suspect identified as Berlin Islamist

Berlin police spokesman Florian Nath announced overnight that the suspect had been identified as a member of Berlin's Islamist scene. He is named by local media as 21-year-old Abdul B., described as slim, about 190 cm tall, with black hair. At the time of the attack he was wearing a black hoodie and white trousers. Police released his photograph and warned the public that he may be armed and dangerous.

The suspected perpetrator, who has not yet been arrested, is known to police as a member of the Berlin Islamist scene.

Officers searched an apartment in the Schoeneberg district but found no one there. The man is reported to have family in Berlin and was released from youth detention in May 2026. The manhunt remains active and police are asking witnesses to upload any photos or videos.

Political response

Berlin mayor Kai Wegner visited the scene on Saturday night and wrote on X that the gathering had been targeted in the most brutal way.

After a peaceful and colourful CSD assembly that stood for a tolerant and peaceful Berlin, it was attacked in the most brutal manner.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the episode a terrible act and, according to a government spokesman, was in very close contact with interior minister Alexander Dobrindt and being updated continuously by the security services.

What happens next

The Christopher Street Day celebrations were cancelled immediately after the attack. Police operations continued through the night with special forces and helicopters still deployed as of Sunday morning. The suspect remains at large and the area around Potsdamer Platz is closed. Authorities have urged anyone who spots the individual to call emergency services without approaching him.