An overnight search for the suspect who fatally stabbed one woman and wounded 29 others during Berlin’s popular LGBTQ Pride celebration continued into the Sunday afternoon, with authorities yet to locate him. Government officials urged the public to aid in the apprehension of the individual believed to have carried out an Islamist‑linked terrorist attack.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the situation in a brief address before attending a memorial service at St. Mary’s Church. In his statement, he affirmed that such “criminals and extremists have no place in our society” and declared that the state would not allow terrorism to spread.
Berlin mayor Kai Wegner, speaking at a news conference near the site, characterized the incident as likely an “Islamist terror attack directed at our way of life, our liberal democracy, and our openness and freedom.”
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt echoed this assessment. He identified the main suspect as a German citizen with Lebanese heritage who had vanished in a rented van armed with a bladed weapon after attacking pedestrians near the festival perimeter.
The suspect has a documented history of radicalisation and criminal activity, including a dismissed conviction. Police confirmed they had prior knowledge of him and that he was associated with what they called the “Islamist spectrum.”
Officials cautioned that more than one attacker could have been involved. A comprehensive search was launched across Berlin and other parts of Germany, targeting major transport hubs, airports, rail stations, and border crossings.
In an early‑morning appeal, police released a photograph and a partial name of the prime suspect, Abou B., 21. For privacy reasons, the surname was omitted in accordance with German law.
The attack occurred after a white minivan drove onto a side street outside the official festival grounds, striking pedestrians on a sidewalk before colliding with a tree. Emergency crews arrived swiftly to treat the injured, some of whom suffered severe wounds from a machete‑like weapon.
The Charité Hospital in Berlin treated eight of the victims, with four discharged by midday and the remaining four in intensive care with non‑life‑threatening injuries.
Both ministers declined to field questions at the press conference, and neither clarified whether koers connections to foreign terrorist organisations existed.
The incident reignited debate in Germany over migration, religious extremism and public safety, particularly ahead of upcoming regional elections that could see far‑right parties gaining ground amid public anxiety over security.
Berlin’s LGBTQ affairs commissioner, Alfonso Pantisano, underscored that the warning and evacuation were swift. He noted the shock of the attack, which had disrupted the vibrant festival and forced a sudden halt to celebratory events.
Reporters Alexander Dobrindt and Kai Wegner provided the original reporting.
