BERLIN—German authorities said on Monday they had confirmed Islamist links to the main suspect in the deadly attack near Berlin's Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations, as investigators continued to examine whether anyone else was involved and security was tightened for public events across the country.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said initial findings indicated the assault was an Islamist terrorist attack, citing the suspect's history of radicalization and previous contacts with Berlin's Islamist milieu. Authorities have not announced evidence that the suspect acted on behalf of any organized militant group, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The attack occurred late on Saturday near the Pride celebrations in Berlin's Tiergarten district, where a vehicle drove into pedestrians before additional violence was reported. Officials said one person was killed and dozens of others were injured, several of them seriously. Prosecutors and police said investigators were continuing to collect forensic evidence and interview witnesses to establish the sequence of events.
Berlin police said the suspect had been known to law enforcement before the attack because of links to the city's Islamist scene. Authorities had launched an extensive manhunt after identifying him, urging the public not to approach him because he could be dangerous.
Dobrindt said Germany's federal states had been instructed to review security arrangements for major public gatherings, particularly upcoming Pride events, warning of the possibility of copycat attacks. He said authorities would continue to adapt security measures as the investigation developed.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice. Berlin officials also expressed solidarity with victims and the LGBTQ+ community, while organizers and community representatives called for continued public support and vigilance without allowing the violence to undermine the event's values.
Prosecutors said only limited details about the investigation could be released to avoid compromising ongoing inquiries. Authorities have not ruled out additional lines of investigation and said they were examining all available evidence, including the suspect's background and possible contacts.
The latest confirmed status from authorities is that the investigation remains active, with police and prosecutors continuing to gather evidence while federal and state officials reassess security measures for large public events across Germany.
