One dead, at least 14 injured as van rams Berlin Pride parade; Islamist suspect identified but not yet arrested

A white van rammed into a large crowd gathered to celebrate Christopher Street Day (CSD), Berlin's annual Pride parade and one of Europe's largest LGBT+ rights events, on Saturday evening. The attack killed one woman and left at least 14 people injured, some with life-threatening wounds. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled; a major police operation involving special forces and helicopters is ongoing.

The attack

Just after 10 p.m. local time on Saturday, the white van sped into crowds on Achornsteg street near Tiergarten park, where thousands had gathered following the parade. The vehicle then crashed into a tree and came to a halt. According to witnesses quoted by the German newspaper Bild, the driver fled on foot, possibly carrying a knife, and some of those injured bore knife wounds. The area was immediately locked down as emergency services provided first aid and transported victims to hospitals.

Casualties

Police confirmed one woman succumbed to her injuries shortly after the ramming. The number of wounded reported by authorities varied overnight, with different sources citing between 14 and 17 injured persons. German media reported that several victims were in critical condition. Organisers halted the celebrations and a concert in front of the Brandenburg Gate after the incident.

Suspect and manhunt

Police identified a suspect from the Islamist milieu who was already known to authorities in Berlin. A spokesperson said:

“We have now identified the suspect. The operation to locate the alleged perpetrator continues; he has not yet been arrested. However, the suspect is known to the police and comes from the Islamist milieu here in Berlin.”

Earlier reports of an arrest were denied. A video circulating on social media that appeared to show a suspect being detained related to incidents earlier in the day, not the ramming. The manhunt involves officers from the GSG 9 special operations unit and helicopters.

Reactions

Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack as a "heinous act" and said he was in constant contact with Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner called it an "attack on an open, cosmopolitan society". He expressed gratitude to the police and organisers for securing the rapid, safe evacuation of the parade area. When asked if it was a terrorist attack, Wegner said it was still too early to assess.

“Berlin is the city of freedom, and that freedom has suffered a major blow.”

Berlin Interior Senator Iris Spranger of the Social Democrats said she was "shocked by the horrific act committed during Berlin's CSD, a day on which thousands of people celebrated peacefully", adding that she was in close communication with security authorities. Organisers halted all remaining events immediately after the ramming.

The event

Christopher Street Day is an annual LGBT+ pride celebration that draws hundreds of thousands of participants to central Berlin. The parade and accompanying festival are considered one of the largest Pride events in Europe. Saturday's festivities had proceeded peacefully until the attack late in the evening.