A van crashed into a crowd at a Pride festival in Berlin, killing one person and injuring at least 16 others.
According to the Associated Press, the incident occurred around 10 p.m. local time on July 25, when a white van entered Tiergarten Park and struck festival participants before colliding with a tree. One person died, and at least 16 were injured, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Police have identified the suspect but have not yet made an arrest. Florian Natt, a spokesperson for the Berlin police, stated, "The suspect is known to the police and is linked to individuals in the Islamic community in Berlin. We are currently pursuing him with all available resources."
However, Natt noted that there is still no confirmed information regarding the suspect's specific motive, the exact circumstances of the incident, or the role he played. Authorities are investigating whether the incident was a planned attack and if there were any accomplices.
Witnesses reported that some victims appeared to have stab wounds. Police have interviewed witnesses overnight but have not confirmed whether there was a separate stabbing incident in addition to the van attack.
The incident occurred near the route of the Pride parade, known as Christopher Street Day, which was taking place in Berlin at the time.
Following the incident, Berlin authorities halted the festival and concert that were ongoing at the Brandenburg Gate. Police urged participants to leave the area immediately and avoid passing through Tiergarten Park to allow emergency services access.
Hundreds of thousands attended the event, which featured around 80 parade vehicles marching through the city. More than 2,200 police officers had been deployed for safety during the festivities.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the attack, stating, "A peaceful and vibrant march was brutally attacked in the name of tolerance and peace in Berlin. This is an attack on our free and open society."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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