German Police Hunt Suspect in Berlin Pride Van Ramming That Killed One, Injured 16
9 verified6 unconfirmed
German authorities are conducting a large-scale manhunt for a 21-year-old suspect after a van drove into a crowd near Berlin’s Christopher Street Day Pride festival on Saturday night. One woman was killed and 16 people were injured, three of them in life-threatening condition and eight seriously hurt. The attack occurred around 10 p.m. in the Tiergarten park when a white minivan struck several people before hitting a tree. Police have identified the suspect as Abdul B., describing him as slim, about 1.9 meters tall, with black hair, and last seen wearing a black hoodie and white pants. Authorities warn he may be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. The motive remains unclear, but police state the suspect is known for links to the Islamist scene in Berlin. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the attack as a horrific act against a free and open society.
What’s verified
One person was killed and 16 others were injured in the van ramming near Berlin’s Pride festival.
Police named the suspect as 21-year-old Abdul B. and described him as slim, 1.9 meters tall, with black hair, wearing a black hoodie and white pants.
The suspect is known to police for ties to Islamist circles in Berlin.
Authorities warn the suspect may be armed and dangerous and urge the public to avoid direct contact.
Three of the injured suffered life-threatening injuries; eight were seriously injured.
The attack happened around 10 p.m. in the Tiergarten park when a white van struck several people.
Several people were also reportedly injured with stabbing weapons, and one or more individuals were seen leaving the vehicle after the ramming.
The Pride parade, known in Germany as Christopher Street Day, was called off after the attack.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the incident.
Not yet confirmed
Only one source reports that more than 2,200 police personnel were deployed in the manhunt.
Only one source reports that the deceased was a woman.
Only one source reports that five people sustained minor injuries.
Only one source reports that a man in black carrying a machete was seen at the scene.
Only one source reports that armed police with machine guns were patrolling the city.
It remains unclear whether multiple perpetrators were involved or what the suspect’s precise motive and role were.
Key figures
Abdul B. – 21-year-old suspect
Florian Nath – Berlin police spokesperson
Friedrich Merz – German Chancellor
Kai Wegner – Berlin Mayor
Dominik Pretz – Fire brigade spokesperson
Sources: abcnews.com, dw.com
