Rabat– A deadly vehicle attack near one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ Pride celebrations in Berlin has left one person dead and 29 others injured, prompting German authorities to classify the incident as a suspected “Islamist terrorist attack” and launch a nationwide manhunt for the alleged perpetrator.
The attack occurred around 10 p.m. local time on Saturday in Berlin’s Tiergarten park, close to the Brandenburg Gate and near the annual Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations. According to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, a white minivan drove into pedestrians before the suspect fled the scene.
One person was killed, while 29 others sustained injuries, including eight who were seriously hurt. Berlin’s fire service said three victims remain in life-threatening condition.
Berlin police identified the suspect as Abdul B., a German-born man of Lebanese background born in 2005. Authorities released his photograph and urged the public not to approach him, warning that he is considered “possibly armed and dangerous.”
According to security sources cited by Reuters, the suspect was released from juvenile detention two months ago and had allegedly sought contact with the Islamic State group. He was reportedly known to Germany’s domestic intelligence agency and classified among individuals considered potential security threats.
Authorities also said some of the victims suffered stab wounds during the attack, though investigators have not yet provided further details about how those injuries occurred.
The incident comes amid heightened political debate in Germany over security and immigration ahead of regional elections scheduled in two months.
