Berlin Pride attack: What happened and what we know so far

One person has died and at least 16 others have been injured after a vehicle was driven into crowds attending Berlin‘s Christopher Street Day (CSD) Pride celebrations, in what authorities are investigating as a possible terror attack.

The incident unfolded on Saturday evening (25 July) as hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the German capital for one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride events. Police have launched a major manhunt for the suspected driver, who fled the scene after the collision.

While investigators have identified a suspect, they have stressed that enquiries remain ongoing and that the motive has not yet been formally established.

Here’s everything we know so far.

What happened at Berlin Pride?

The attack happened shortly after 10pm local time near Berlin’s Tiergarten park, close to the Brandenburg Gate, where the Pride parade had concluded and large crowds were gathering for concerts and celebrations.

According to German police, a white vehicle, possibly a van or minibus, mounted the road and drove into pedestrians before crashing into a tree. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people attempted to flee while emergency services rushed to the area.

Large sections of central Berlin were immediately cordoned off as ambulances, firefighters and heavily armed police responded.

How many people were injured?

Police say one person died at the scene.

At least 16 others were injured, including three people who remain in a life-threatening condition. Several others sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospitals across Berlin for treatment.

Investigators are also examining reports that some victims may have suffered stab wounds during the incident, although authorities have not yet confirmed how those injuries were caused.

Officials have warned that casualty numbers could change as investigations continue.

Who is the suspect?

German authorities have named the suspect as 21-year-old Abdul B., who remains on the run.

Police say he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot following the collision. A major search operation involving armed officers, helicopters and specialist police units remains underway.

Authorities have urged anyone who sees the suspect not to approach him and instead contact emergency services immediately.

Investigators say the suspect was already known to them and are investigating his reported links to Islamist circles in Berlin. Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains at an early stage and that no motive has yet been established.

Was Berlin Pride targeted?

Police have not yet confirmed whether the LGBTQ+ community was deliberately targeted.

However, investigators are treating the circumstances extremely seriously given that the collision took place during Berlin’s Christopher Street Day celebrations, one of the world’s biggest Pride events.

Officers are examining witness statements and forensic evidence to establish whether the suspect intentionally targeted Pride attendees or whether another motive was involved.

What is Christopher Street Day?

Christopher Street Day is the name used for Pride celebrations across much of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The name commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising on New York City’s Christopher Street, widely regarded as a defining moment in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Berlin’s CSD is among Europe’s largest Pride events, regularly attracting hundreds of thousands of participants from across Germany and around the world.

This year’s event included a parade through central Berlin, speeches, performances and political demonstrations calling for greater LGBTQ+ equality.

What happened after the attack?

Police declared a major incident and brought Pride celebrations to an immediate end.

The concert scheduled to take place after the parade was cancelled, while attendees were asked to leave the area to allow emergency services access.

Investigators spent the night examining the crash scene, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.

Authorities have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident or captured photographs or video footage to contact police.