German President 'appalled' by Berlin CSD attack, calls it assault on open society

Berlin's Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade became the scene of a violent attack that left one woman dead and several others injured, prompting widespread condemnation from German political leaders. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described the incident as an "attack on our open society, on our way of life and of living together."

Steinmeier, speaking at an event in Hamm, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the injured. He noted that CSD participants had gathered to celebrate peacefully and advocate for tolerance, diversity, and equal rights. "We are all shocked and appalled by the suspected attack," he stated, emphasizing the blow to the LGBTQ+ community and the nation.

Other prominent figures also voiced their outrage. Kai Wegner, Berlin's governing mayor, called the violence an "attack on our free and open society." Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz denounced it as an "abhorrent act" and vowed that it would be "prosecuted with the utmost severity." The federal government also indicated that the Attorney General might investigate if legal conditions are met.

Sophie Koch, the federal government's queer representative, urged for unity, stating that "enemies of our freedom sow hatred and violence." The organization LSVD+ (Ally - Association for Queer Diversity) lamented a "tear in the rainbow," calling it a dark day for the community and the country. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the CSD, a key event celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in Germany.