One dead, 16 injured at Berlin Pride event, police say, after vehicle driven into crowd
One dead, 16 injured at Berlin Pride event, police say, after vehicle driven into crowd
One dead, 16 injured at Berlin Pride event, police say, after vehicle driven into crowd
A devastating incident occurred at the Berlin Pride Celebration, also known as Christopher Street Day Berlin (CSD), when a vehicle drove into a crowd of people, resulting in one death and 16 injuries, according to police. The suspect, who is known to police as a member of the "Islamist scene," fled the scene and a major manhunt is underway.
The incident happened around 10pm on Saturday night in Tiergarten park, where a white minivan drove at speed into a group of people. Witnesses reported that a man stabbed several people after the vehicle crashed into a tree. The Berlin Pride event was immediately cancelled, and attendees were told to evacuate the area.
Police spokesman Florian Nath confirmed that the suspect belongs to the city's "Islamist scene" and that measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrator. Nath also stated that the suspect is known to police and that city-wide searches are ongoing. Among the 16 injured, eight had serious injuries, and of those, three were in life-threatening condition.
Berlin's mayor, Kai Wegner, expressed shock and sadness, saying that "it is an attack on our free and open society." Wegner added that "Berlin is the city of freedom - and our freedom has been attacked in the most horrific way today." The mayor's thoughts are with the victims, their families, and friends.
Police are still investigating the motive behind the attack and are reviewing witness accounts, including reports of stab wounds.
The Christopher Street Day parade, one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, was cancelled, and a concert in the German capital was also called off.
Julian Methig, who attended the event, described it as a terrible day, saying "it's one of the worst days for the queer community and a day I personally hoped I'd never have to experience ... I’m shocked.
The British Embassy in Berlin has issued a statement advising Brits to follow instructions from local police. The embassy said that British nationals in the Tiergarten area should follow police instructions and that those in need of assistance should call +49 (0) 30 204570.
Helicopters are circling above Berlin, and a nearby apartment has been searched.
