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Van Plows Into Crowd Near Berlin Christopher Street Day in Suspected Islamist Attack

Federal prosecutors are preparing to take over the case as police conduct a nationwide manhunt for a publicly named suspect linked to Islamist circles

Overview

  • A white van drove into people near Potsdamer Platz during Christopher Street Day on Saturday, killing one person and injuring dozens who were treated in hospitals.
  • Berlin police have published a photo and are searching nationwide for 21-year-old Abdul B., whom they describe as known to authorities and potentially armed and dangerous.
  • Investigators say the incident began as a vehicle attack and are probing a possible second phase in which a suspect used a stabbing weapon; officers have carried out apartment searches and seized items as evidence.
  • Officials, including Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, have said indicators point to an Islamist-motivated terrorist act and the federal prosecutor’s office is expected to assume control of the probe.
  • Organizers cancelled further CSD events, cities tightened security at Pride gatherings and the case has reignited debate over how authorities monitor so-called Gefährder and prevent radicalized attackers from striking public spaces.