A van drove into a crowd at Berlin's annual Pride festival on Saturday, killing one person and injuring 16 others before the driver fled the scene. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who is believed to have acted alone, though the motive remains unclear.
The attack happened around midday on a busy street near the city center where thousands had gathered for the event. Witnesses described chaos as the vehicle plowed through barriers and struck pedestrians. The victim, a 30-year-old man, died at the hospital; the injured include two children, one critically.
Berlin police have cordoned off the area and are reviewing surveillance footage. Authorities have not ruled out terrorism but say they are keeping an open mind. The festival was immediately canceled, and a memorial vigil is planned for Sunday.
The attack has reignited debates about security at large public gatherings. Berlin's Pride event, one of Europe's largest, typically draws hundreds of thousands. Organizers had already increased police presence this year after a series of hate crimes across Germany.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, calling it an "assault on our values." The mayor of Berlin expressed solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice.
For now, Berlin remains on edge. Police have warned the public to stay vigilant, while Pride participants grapple with the shock of violence at a celebration of inclusion.