Berlin’s Pride celebration was marred by a violent attack on Saturday night that left one person dead and 29 others injured, authorities said. The incident occurred as revelers were dispersing from the event in Tiergarten park, just outside the secured parade route.

Despite a heightened police presence of 2,200 officers—significantly increased from last year’s 1,300—and metal barricades intended to prevent such threats, a 21-year-old suspect drove a van into a crowd and subsequently attacked people with what appeared to be a machete. Police responded by fatally shooting the assailant the following evening, concluding a nationwide manhunt.

German officials labeled the incident an act of Islamist terrorism. They identified the suspect only as Abdul B., adhering to privacy regulations, and revealed he was a German citizen of Lebanese descent living in an area known for its large Arab community. Authorities noted the suspect had reportedly tried to affiliate with the Islamic State group. The attack shocked many who had hoped recent security measures would safeguard the community.

Berlin has been grappling with rising violence against its LGBTQ population. Crime data shows that “anti-queer” offenses more than tripled between 2016 and 2025, and violent attacks increased by half during that period. After a peak in 2023, both violent and nonviolent incidents have decreased somewhat due to a citywide initiative launched in 2024 to address violence and discrimination. Much of this strategy has involved countering far-right hostility, which last year was identified as the leading motivation behind homophobic attacks in Berlin.

However, the recent attack has heightened concerns about growing threats from various extremist ideologies—including Islamist extremism—beyond far-right sources. Community leaders and officials emphasized that the LGBTQ community continues to feel vulnerable.

"The police presence and additional safety measures were enormously high, but I believe you cannot guarantee 100 percent security for such a massive event," said Florian Winkler-Schwarz, managing director of Queer Diversity Berlin-Brandenburg, a civil rights group advocating for LGBTQ rights.

Alfonso Pantisano, Berlin’s LGBTQ advocacy commissioner, who took part in the celebration with police protection due to threats he has received, described the attack as heartbreaking. “It’s making me wonder if we will ever truly be safe as a queer community,” he said, reflecting broader anxieties about safety.

At a memorial service held the day after the attack, attendees expressed both grief and growing unease. Some noted that concerns about safety had led people to change out of their Pride attire before traveling home to avoid harassment. Others voiced apprehension about increased risks in neighborhoods with large migrant populations, including those with conservative Islamist communities.

Criticism was also directed at political leaders. Some mourners blamed the far-right Alternative for Germany party, which has gained popularity with its conservative stance on family values. Others cited Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s past remarks opposing the flying of a Pride flag over the federal Parliament, interpreting them as symbolic of broader intolerance.

Merz and Berlin’s mayor, Kai Wegner, attended the memorial and subsequent silent march to the Brandenburg Gate, where Merz spoke in support of the LGBTQ community. “Violence doesn’t begin with an attack,” Merz said. “It begins with intolerance, exclusion, discrimination, stupid remarks, and bad jokes.”

Authorities announced they would review security measures to understand how the attacker breached protections so close to the event. Despite the attack, many participants affirmed their determination to continue celebrating Pride. Julia Preuss, who had been dancing near the site the day before, acknowledged feeling scared but said the incident only strengthened her resolve to attend future events.

Signs and flowers left at the scene echoed a message of resilience, reading “We are many” and “Love wins,” underscoring the community’s commitment to visibility and solidarity in the face of ongoing threats.