The Incident
On Saturday evening, a vehicle drove into a crowd near Tiergarten park in Berlin, where the annual Christopher Street Day Pride celebration was taking place. Police said they believe the vehicle entered the park and struck several people, causing injuries. At least one person was killed and 15 others were injured, with some in serious condition, according to authorities. According to a witness cited by German media, a white van drove into the crowd at high speed, and the driver then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Police said on the social media platform X that they were responding with emergency services to an incident where a vehicle struck multiple people.[S1][S4][S6]
Police have launched an intensive manhunt for the suspect or suspects. They urged the public to avoid the area near the Brandenburg Gate. The fire department and numerous emergency services are at the scene treating the injured. Images show a large emergency presence, with one person seen entering an ambulance on a stretcher. The number of injured is not yet clear, police said. Police added that they were actively seeking the people responsible.[S1][S5]
The incident occurred in the evening after the main parade had ended. Participants were at the Tiergarten park for concluding events when the vehicle drove into the crowd. The Brandenburg Gate area was crowded with people attending concerts, which had been ongoing since Friday. Police quickly responded and set up a large perimeter.[S1][S4]
Event Cancellation and Aftermath
The Christopher Street Day parade, one of Europe's largest Pride events, was canceled following the incident. The event is an annual celebration advocating for tolerance and diversity. Organizers told participants to 'go home, please.' Earlier on Saturday, hundreds of thousands had gathered peacefully for the parade, which ended at 17 June Street near the Brandenburg Gate, where concerts were being held. Concerts had been taking place at the Brandenburg Gate since Friday. The incident cut short the festivities. Police said they are searching intensively for suspects and urged anyone with information to come forward.[S1][S4][S6]
In a social media post, police stated: 'We believe that a vehicle entered the Tiergarten park and hit several people and injured them.' They confirmed that multiple officers and fire department rescue crews were deployed to the area. A major incident has been declared. Images show a large emergency services presence at the scene. The injured are being treated by emergency services near the park. Police added that they are actively seeking the people responsible. It remains unclear whether the incident was intentional or whether the Pride event was specifically targeted. The car was abandoned at the scene and police are working to identify the driver. Investigations are ongoing.[S1][S4][S5][S6]
Initial reports from police mentioned several injuries but did not specify the number. Later, Deutsche Welle reported that at least one person had died and 15 were injured, with some in serious condition. The exact toll remains subject to official confirmation. The driver remains at large, and authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including an intentional act. Police said, 'We are searching intensively for suspects.' A large number of police and fire department resources have been deployed to the scene.[S1][S4][S6]
