On July 25, 2026, a vehicle struck a crowd at Berlin’s renowned LGBTQ+ parade, resulting in one fatality and injuries to at least 16 people. This caused the authorities to halt the event in the German capital just hours after it commenced. According to police reports, several victims were in critical condition.
Emergency personnel, including firefighters and ambulance crews, responded swiftly to the scene to assist the victims. The incident took place near Kemperplatz, following the parade’s cancellation. A post on X urged attendees to vacate the event’s premises immediately.
“We are conducting an intensive search for possible suspects,” a police officer stated in a video shared on the Berlin police account.
The vehicle involved in the incident drove into the Tiergarten park, near the planned pride march route, and hit multiple people. Authorities acknowledged a significant police presence at the location but did not specify the exact number of officers involved. They are actively searching for suspects.
Police spokesperson Alexander Klute told the Associated Press that they were unaware of any motives or information about the individual or individuals responsible for this act. The incident disrupted what was one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Europe, known as Christopher Street Day in Germany.
The event attracted hundreds of thousands to Berlin, which hosted the pride parade under the motto “Haltung ist Hot – Segen statt Hetze” (“Having principles is hot – Blessing instead of hate”). Participants paraded towards Brandenburg Gate until the event’s abrupt halt around 10:15 p.m., which also cut short a band’s staged performance. Attendees were advised against taking routes through Tiergarten park while returning home.
Prior to the tragic occurrence, the event proceeded peacefully, with attendees marching, enjoying music, and cheering alongside approximately 80 parade floats. Julian Miethig, who had participated in the festivities earlier that day, expressed his shock upon learning about the incident from a friend. He described going to Tiergarten and witnessing the heavy presence of emergency vehicles.
“It’s a dark day for the community,” Miethig remarked, reflecting the somber mood following the incident at Berlin’s pride celebration.
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