Berlin Pride attack: 1 killed and 29 injured in van and knife attack, suspect absconds

New Delhi: The attack that took place near the closing party of the Pride Festival in Germany’s capital Berlin on Saturday night is now being investigated as an Islamic terrorist attack. One woman died and 29 people were injured in this attack. The suspect is still out of the reach of the police.

What happened that night?      

According to officials, Abdul Ballout, a German citizen of Lebanese origin, is accused of driving a white van into the crowd in Tiergarten Park at around 10 pm. The van stopped after hitting a tree. After this he allegedly attacked people with a machete-like weapon.

This incident happened right near the closing party of Christopher Street Day i.e. Berlin Pride. The program was canceled at around 10.15 pm after the attack. The band playing on the stage was stopped and people were appealed to go home and avoid the park route.

Police spokesman Florian Nath said the suspect was known to police. He is believed to be linked to Islamic groups in Berlin. A search for him is underway and people have been warned to stay away from him as he may be armed and dangerous.

loss of life and property     

The Berlin Fire Service said a woman died in the attack. Three people suffered life-threatening injuries, eight were seriously injured and five suffered minor injuries. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt on Sunday put the total number of injured at 29.

Police also raided an apartment in Schöneberg district early on Sunday, but no one was found there. Investigators say the suspect is still "special purpose" No concrete information has been received about it.

Leaders and community response      

Chancellor Friedrich Merz "attack on our society" Said. He wrote on the X that Germany loves freedom and will defend it. Pride presenter Ricardo Hoffman said on Instagram that she was there not just for work, but to stand with a community that celebrates love.

they wrote, "What happened today changed something inside me." Julian Meithig, who attended the festival, said that before leaving for the after-party, he learned that there were ambulances and fire trucks there. He said, "It is a dark day for the community."  

Increased security in Europe    

Lakhs of people participated in Pride in Berlin on Saturday. Following the attack, Mayor Femke Halsema of the Netherlands, where World Pride is being held in Amsterdam this week, said the security situation was being closely monitored. Additional arrangements will be made if needed.

Home Minister Dobrindt said, "The evidence that has emerged suggests that this is an Islamic terrorist attack." The police is now investigating the entire matter from every angle. Even on Sunday morning, a damaged van was seen at the spot, the front part of which was badly mangled after hitting a tree.