European investigators are currently searching the continent for the suspected perpetrator of the fatal incident that occurred during the Berlin Christopher Street Day (CSD). According to Focus Online, the BKA (Federal Criminal Police Office) has requested assistance from authorities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, and Austria.
The suspect, 21-year-old Abdul B., allegedly drove a small truck through the Berlin Tiergarten around 10 p.m. on Saturday, where CSD participants were celebrating. He eventually crashed into a tree and subsequently fled the scene. Authorities have stated that it is still unclear if he had an accomplice, but they believe that “one or several persons” left the vehicle. Furthermore, several people reportedly suffered injuries from “stabbing tools.”
The event was halted after the attack, but for over an hour, the incident remained largely unknown to the public-presumably to prevent panic. Police initially deployed a helicopter over the Tiergarten for the search, reportedly also utilizing a thermal imaging camera. Latest reports confirm that one woman was killed and 16 others were injured during the Saturday evening attack.
The Christopher Street Day is a celebrated holiday for lesbian, gay, and other queer individuals, traditionally held at various points throughout the year. The largest marches for CSD take place annually in Berlin and Cologne.
