Berlin Pride attack explained: What happened, who is the suspect and what we know so far

Berlin: A woman was killed and 16 others were injured after a car was driven into crowds attending Berlin's annual Pride celebrations on Saturday night, prompting one of the largest manhunts in the German capital in recent years.

Police have identified a 21-year-old suspect believed to have Islamist links, while investigators are also probing whether others were involved.

What happened at the Berlin Pride event?

The attack unfolded at around 10 pm local time (2000 GMT) during Berlin's Christopher Street Day celebrations, one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ Pride events.

Hundreds of thousands of people had gathered near the Brandenburg Gate and Tiergarten park when a white vehicle drove into the crowd. Police also said several people were injured in stabbing attacks during the incident.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, and organisers immediately cancelled the remainder of the event, asking attendees to evacuate the area.

Authorities later confirmed that one woman was killed and 16 others were injured.

Where did the attack take place?

The incident occurred on Ahornsteig, a wooded pathway inside Berlin's Tiergarten park.

The Pride parade had travelled through central Berlin before passing the Victory Column and heading towards the Brandenburg Gate, with large crowds lining the route.

Police later located the suspected vehicle after it had crashed into a tree inside the park.

Who is the suspect?

Berlin Police have identified the suspect as 21-year-old Abdul B., withholding his full surname in line with German privacy laws governing criminal investigations.

Authorities said the suspect is known to have connections with Islamist circles.

According to German media reports, he is believed to have supported the Islamic State (IS) group and had previously attempted to join the organisation.

Reports also claim he travelled to Lebanon in 2025 and was arrested upon returning to Germany. He was allegedly held in pre-trial detention until May 2026 before being ordered to undergo a de-radicalisation programme.

Is the suspect in custody?

No.

Police have launched a citywide manhunt and warned that the suspect is armed and dangerous.

Investigators believe he is linked to the abandoned vehicle but have also said one or more additional suspects may have fled from the car, meaning the investigation remains ongoing.

Thousands of police officers, including reinforcements from neighbouring German states, have joined the search.

Officers were also seen outside an apartment block in Berlin's Tiergarten district believed to be linked to the suspect.

What do police know so far?

Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive for the attack.

Police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward, while urging members of the public not to approach the suspect.

At the time of the attack, the suspect was reportedly wearing a black hooded top and white trousers.

How did German leaders respond?

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the incident as a "heinous" attack on German society.

The attack has also drawn strong condemnation from European leaders.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Pride represents "freedom, dignity and equality" and that everyone should be able to live without fear.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the Netherlands stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Germany, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her solidarity with the victims.

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the incident "an absolutely horrific disaster" and said his thoughts were with the German people.

What happens next?

The investigation remains active as police continue searching for the suspect and examine whether others were involved in the attack.