Berlin Police Launch Manhunt for Islamist Suspect After Deadly Attack at Pride Event

BERLIN: German authorities have launched a nationwide manhunt for a 21-year-old Islamist suspect following a deadly vehicle attack at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) Pride celebrations that left one person dead and at least 17 others injured, several of them critically.

Berlin police on Sunday released a photograph of the suspect, identified only as Abdul B. under German privacy laws, and described him as a known member of the city’s Islamist scene. Authorities warned that the suspect may be armed and dangerous and urged the public not to approach him but to immediately contact police with any information regarding his whereabouts.

The attack occurred on Saturday evening when a white van drove into crowds gathered near Tiergarten Park during one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations. The vehicle later crashed into a tree, and the suspect fled the scene, prompting a large-scale police operation involving helicopters and security forces from several German states. The remaining festival events were subsequently cancelled.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on freedom and diversity, and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner also denounced the incident, expressing solidarity with the victims and reaffirming the city’s commitment to tolerance and inclusion.

Investigators are examining the suspect’s alleged Islamist links and are working to establish the motive behind the attack. Federal prosecutors and Berlin police are jointly leading the investigation, while authorities continue to appeal for witnesses and anyone with video footage to come forward.