A police representative informed journalists that measures are being taken against the suspect and that the search for this individual is proceeding at an accelerated pace. Without disclosing his identity, he added that the person was already known to the police and is a native of Berlin.
Based on preliminary findings of the investigation, a suspect has been identified. He is known as a member of Islamic circles in Berlin, stated the police representative.
The attack occurred on Saturday evening when a white van crashed into people gathered in Tiergarten Park, near the route of the LGBTQ+ Pride parade. One person died as a result of the incident, and at least sixteen were injured; some victims are in critical condition.
The police immediately halted the celebration and concert planned near the Brandenburg Gate and also appealed on social media for people to leave the scene. Berlin police representative Florian Nat announced in a video message published on official accounts that an intensive search for possible suspects is underway.
Police representative Alexander Klute told the Associated Press that Berlin authorities currently have no information regarding the motives, identity of the perpetrator, or any other similar details.
According to the authorities, the van hit several people before colliding with a tree. Testimony was being collected in the park overnight, and information was being examined regarding whether some victims might have been injured by cold weapons, although it was 'too early' to draw any conclusions.
The Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, expressed shock over the incident, stating: 'After a peaceful and vibrant parade, the call for a tolerant and peaceful Berlin was attacked in the most brutal way. This is an attack on our free and cosmopolitan society.'
Authorities called on witnesses to provide videos or photos of the attack and activated an emergency line for people looking for relatives or friends. Hundreds of thousands of people participated in the annual Berlin parade, known as Christopher Street Day, which is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Europe.
Before the incident, the event was proceeding peacefully: thousands of people walked through the city streets for hours, dancing and cheering around 80 parade floats that were part of the procession. The event near the Brandenburg Gate was canceled at 10:15 PM local time shortly after the incident, and participants were asked to return home and avoid passing through the park where the attack took place.
At least one person died and fifteen were injured after a van drove into a crowd in Tiergarten Park in Berlin, where the LGBTQ+ Pride March was concluding.
Chaos was observed at the scene, and police and emergency services examined the injured. A police representative, Florian Nat, reported that the incident, which the police classify as a hit-and-run, resulted in one death and injuries to at least fifteen people, some of whom are in serious condition.
The vehicle was left at the scene in Tiergarten Park, a green area of the German capital where the stop took place. The driver fled and is being sought by law enforcement agencies. The Berlin police stated via the WhatsApp platform that it is assumed the vehicle entered Tiergarten Park, ran over several people, injuring them, and that they are actively searching for suspects.
As a result, the celebration was canceled. Event organizers asked participants not to pass through the park via the wooded area, but to use only the streets, urging them to return home. Although authorities believe there is no immediate danger to the public, they cannot completely rule it out yet.
Thousands of people gathered in Berlin to celebrate the Berlin Pride parade, known in Germany as Christopher Street Day, which is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Europe.
