Van rams Berlin Pride parade, killing 1 and injuring 16

A van plowed into crowds at Berlin's famed LGBTQ+ event on Saturday night, killing one person and injuring at least 16 others. Police have called off the remaining celebrations and a concert in the German capital following the apparent attack.

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following a peaceful and vibrant Pride parade, the rally for a tolerant and peaceful Berlin was attacked in the most brutal manner.

Some of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries, according to police, who urged everyone to leave the event site immediately. Ambulances and firefighters attended to the injured in Tiergarten park, where the white van reportedly drove into the area around 10 p.m. The park is adjacent to the route of the Pride march. Police are investigating witness accounts suggesting some victims may have suffered stab wounds in addition to injuries from the crash, though they cautioned it was too early to confirm.

Berlin police spokesman stated the suspected perpetrator is a member of the city’s “Islamist scene,” but he had not yet been arrested. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner both expressed shock and condemned the act. "This is an attack on our free and cosmopolitan society," Wegner said, expressing confidence in the police investigation.

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This is an attack on our free and cosmopolitan society.

Hundreds of thousands had gathered for Berlin's Pride parade, known as Christopher Street Day, one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations. The event, including a performance at the Brandenburg Gate, was halted around 10:15 p.m., with attendees urged to go home.

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I have confidence in the police and security authorities, who will be working around the clock to investigate.