Berlin pride event canceled after vehicle drives into crowd

Authorities in Berlin confirmed that at least one person died and 16 others sustained injuries after a vehicle drove into a crowd near the Christopher Street Day Pride event on Saturday night. The incident occurred within the Tiergarten park, leading police to shut down the festivities and instruct participants to leave the area immediately. Three of the injured individuals remain in critical condition.

Police spokesperson Florian Nath stated that more than 2,200 personnel are currently involved in the investigation. Authorities are conducting a citywide manhunt for the driver of the white vehicle involved in the collision. Police have not yet disclosed whether the act was intentional or if the gathering was the specific target of the driver.

Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner visited the site shortly after the event was called off. He described the situation as an attack on an open society. Chancellor Friedrich Merz also released a statement condemning the event as a horrific act and promised a thorough investigation into the matter.

The Christopher Street Day parade, which has served as a fixture in Berlin since 1979, was interrupted around 10:15 p.m. as police secured the scene and diverted traffic away from the Tiergarten area. Officers equipped with specialized gear were observed patrolling the city streets into Sunday morning. Officials noted that evidence collection would continue throughout the day.

As the investigation remains in the early stages, authorities are asking residents to avoid the Tiergarten area. The event was intended to be a peaceful celebration of diversity, drawing tens of thousands of attendees to the Brandenburg Gate before the forced cancellation.