Berlin CSD attack: Support for victims enters second phase

The immediate crisis response for those affected by the Islamist terror attack at Berlin's Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade has transitioned into its second phase. The acute support period for witnesses and victims has now been completed, according to Roland Weber, the federal victim representative.

Weber reported that the support system is functioning well, enabling personalized assistance for those impacted. "We are now in personal conversations with the affected individuals to enable tailor-made support," he stated. Many of the injured individuals have since been released from the hospital and are receiving help with rehabilitation options. Weber noted that he has received no complaints regarding the support provided, which he sees as a positive sign that the system is effective.

The free hotline established for victims, witnesses, bereaved families, and first responders has been deactivated, as calls had significantly decreased two weeks after the attack. The hotline was available for anyone affected by the incident, including those who provided spontaneous first aid at the scene.

The attack, which occurred at the end of July, saw a vehicle driven into a crowd during the Pride Parade. The perpetrator, identified as Abdul B., was an Islamist extremist who killed one woman and injured at least 31 others. The CSD parade in Germany typically draws hundreds of thousands of participants annually.