German authorities issued a wanted notice on Sunday for a fugitive suspect involved in the van ramming incident near Berlin’s Pride festival, which resulted in one death and injuries to at least 16 others.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz characterized the event late Saturday evening as “an attack on our society.”
Police and prosecutors requested assistance in locating the 21-year-old suspect, identified as Abdul B. They stated that he is believed to have injured several individuals with a moving vehicle, adding that one or more people subsequently exited the vehicle. The authorities also noted that several people were reportedly stabbed.
Sunday’s public notice cautioned people against "direct contact" with the suspect, warning that he could be armed and dangerous.
Police had previously stated they identified a suspect connected to Islamic groups in the German capital.
“The suspect is known to police. He is known to us as a member of Islamic circles here in Berlin, and our search for this person is proceeding at full speed,” said police spokesperson Florian Nath.
Nath further reported that investigators had no information regarding “his specific motives.”
Police reports indicated that a white van drove into Tiergarten park around 10 p.m., striking several people before crashing into a tree. The closing party of the Pride festival, known as Christopher Street Day, was taking place nearby at the time, following a parade earlier in the day that featured about 80 trucks through downtown Berlin.
Police confirmed one woman died. Berlin’s fire service reported that three individuals sustained life-threatening injuries, eight others were seriously injured, and five suffered minor injuries.
The Pride event near the Brandenburg Gate was called off around 10:15 p.m., interrupting a band's performance on stage. Attendees were advised to return home and avoid using the park route.
Merz posted on X, writing, “What an abhorrent act in Berlin,” and added that Germany values freedom, stating, “and we will preserve and defend that.”
Hundreds of thousands of people had gathered in Berlin for the celebration on Saturday, although the exact number remaining at the festival by late evening is unknown. The event is recognized as one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations.