Berlin remains in shock following the attack on the "Christopher Street Day" (CSD) parade on Saturday. Hundreds of thousands of people had been celebrating peacefully and advocating for the rights of queer individuals — until, around 10 p.m., an attacker drove his vehicle into the crowd in the Tiergarten Park, right in the heart of the city.
One woman was killed and 29 others were injured, some seriously. Authorities quickly said the incident was a terrorist act committed by an Islamist. The suspect initially managed to flee but was later killed by police.
On Sunday afternoon, during a memorial service at St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche), not far from the Brandenburg Gate, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) said: "We will do everything to protect the freedom of our country and our society — everything!" He called out to the mourners: "Stand together, celebrate, and show the joyful face of our open, free society." Yet, right now, no one feels like celebrating.Let us not be intimidated by these crimes: Chancellor MerzTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
This sentiment was echoed by the opposition. "Hatred must never triumph," said Luigi Pantisano, leader of the socialist Left Party. "Regardless of whether the hatred stems from religious fanaticism or if the attacks and hostility come from elsewhere," he continued.
