BERLIN — A late-night attack targeting participants of Berlin’s Pride parade on Saturday resulted in one death and 29 injuries, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred just outside the event’s secured perimeter in Tiergarten park when a man drove a rented van into a group of revelers and then reportedly attacked others with a machete. The main suspect, identified by the police as Abdul B., 21, was shot and killed by officers on Sunday evening following a nationwide manhunt.

Despite increased security measures this year, including the deployment of 2,200 police officers—up from 1,300 last year—the attacker was able to bypass barriers designed to protect the event. Many attendees expressed shock that the assault could take place so close to the celebration. “How did he even get into the Tiergarten?” said Benjamin Bock, who had been near the site minutes before the attack.

Officials have classified the incident as an act of Islamist terrorism, stating that Abdul B. had attempted to join the Islamic State group. The suspect, a German citizen of Lebanese descent residing in an area with a significant Arab population, was reported to have developed extremist views prior to the attack.

The assault has compounded ongoing concerns about the safety of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community in Berlin. City data reveal that anti-queer crimes more than tripled between 2016 and 2025, with violent offenses rising by approximately 50 percent during that period. While recent efforts to curb such violence, including enhanced police presence and the appointment of an LGBTQ affairs commissioner, had led to some decline since the peak in 2023, rates remain notably elevated.

Far-right ideology has been identified as the most common motivating factor in homophobic attacks in Berlin in recent years. However, community leaders voiced apprehension that threats now extend beyond far-right extremists to include individuals driven by various ideological and religious motives. Florian Winkler-Schwarz, managing director of the LSVD Association for Queer Diversity Berlin-Brandenburg, acknowledged the high police presence but cautioned that absolute security cannot be guaranteed at large events.

Alfonso Pantisano, Berlin’s LGBTQ affairs commissioner, who attended the parade under police escort due to threats, expressed deep sorrow and uncertainty about the future safety of the queer community. “My heart is broken,” he said, reflecting on the event’s aftermath.

During a memorial service held on Sunday afternoon, mourners gathered under rainy skies, some carrying Pride flags. Attendees, including Uwe Brzezek and Olav Kedziora, recalled the growing atmosphere of fear even during Pride events. Kedziora noted that some friends changed out of their Pride attire before taking public transit home due to concerns about harassment.

Discussions at the memorial also touched on the broader political climate in Germany, with some attendees criticizing the rhetoric of the far-right Alternative for Germany party and comments by Chancellor Friedrich Merz that were viewed as dismissive of LGBTQ visibility efforts. Merz and Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner both attended the memorial and subsequent silent march toward the Brandenburg Gate, where Merz condemned the violence and called for greater tolerance.

Authorities have announced a review of security protocols to understand how the assailant gained access so near to the event. Despite the trauma caused by the attack, many participants reaffirmed their commitment to future Pride celebrations. Julia Preuss, an attendee who had danced along the parade route the day before, said, “It won’t stop me from going to Pride again. Honestly: now more than ever.”

Messages of resilience and unity were visible around the memorial area, where signs reading “We are many” and “Love wins” accompanied flowers laid by mourners.