Berlin Pride van attack – police name 21-year old suspect Abdul B with alleged ties to ‘Islamist scene’

Berlin police release image of suspect Abdul B (Image: Berlin Police)

The German authorities asking for notification A 21-year-old suspect has been charged after a van crashed into people near Berlin’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) Pride celebrations, killing one woman and injuring at least 16 others. The notice warns the public to avoid “direct contact” with the suspects as they may be armed and dangerous.

Police and prosecutors identified the suspect as Abdul B. Police said the suspect is believed to have injured several people in the vehicle he was driving late Saturday night, and “it is believed that one or more people then fled the vehicle.” police statement. The same statement added: “Additionally, several people were reported to have been injured with stabbing weapons.”

Police spokesperson Florian Nass said: “The suspect is known to the police. He is a known member of an Islamic circle here in Berlin and we are moving forward with the search for this person at full speed,” it added, adding that investigators had no information about “his specific motives.”

The Pride event next to the Brandenburg Gate was canceled at around 10:15 p.m., and the band’s performance on stage was also suspended.

What the police said happened

Police said a white van entered Tiergarten Park around 10 p.m., hitting several people before crashing into a tree. According to Berlin fire authorities, three people suffered life-threatening injuries, eight others suffered serious injuries and five others suffered minor injuries. Other reports said one person was killed in the attack.

CSD’s closing party was being held nearby after a parade earlier in the day that included about 80 trucks. Early Sunday morning, police searched an apartment in Berlin’s Schöneberg district but found no one inside.

“It’s a dark day for the community,” said Julian Miertig, who was attending the festival nearby.

Berlin CSD and ongoing investigation

CSD is the name used for Pride events in German-speaking countries and refers to New York’s Christopher Street and the Stonewall uprising. Berlin CSD is one of Europe’s largest Pride celebrations, combining parades with political messaging, community groups and corporate participation.

Police have appealed for public assistance in identifying the suspects as investigations continue into the incident, which led to the cancellation of the celebrations.