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Antwerp Pride: “We will not be intimidated” after deadly attack at Berlin Pride

by Timothy••0

2026 marks the nineteenth (19th) edition of Antwerp Pride. From Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 August, Antwerp in Belgium will once again be taken over by rainbow vibes. Prides are a mix of celebration – parties – and activism and advocacy. For the 2026 edition, the organising committee focuses on fearing less and being fearless.

Antwerp Pride has condemned the deadly attack at Berlin Pride / CSD Berlin and said the incident demonstrates why Pride events remain as necessary as ever. In a statement released on Sunday, the organisation expressed solidarity with the victims and stressed that it would continue to stand up for equality, visibility and the rights of LGBTQIA+ people.

“Once again, we are confronted with a harsh reality. During Pride in Berlin, a vehicle drove into a crowd. There were victims, and there is a strong suspicion that this was a deliberate attack.This incident once again makes it clear that Pride is more important today than ever before.”

“Pride is not a celebration because the struggle is over. Pride is a powerful statement that everyone has the right to be themselves, without fear, hatred or violence. We must continue to fight for this fearlessly.”

“Our thoughts are with all the victims, their loved ones and the LGBTQIA+ community in Berlin.We will not be intimidated. We will continue to stand up for love, equality and respect. As long as people are attacked for who they are or whom they love, Pride remains necessary. nLove is love. Pride is protest. Pride is hope.”

The statement followed Saturday night’s attack during Berlin‘s Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebrations, when a white van drove into a crowd of people gathered near the Tiergarten park. One person was killed and at least 16 others were injured. Several of the victims are reported to be in critical condition.

Berlin’s annual CSD parade is one of Europe’s largest Pride events and typically attracts around one million participants and spectators. Following the incident, organisers brought the celebrations to an early end and asked attendees to leave the area around Tiergarten. According to journalists at the scene, the evacuation took place calmly.

Police launch manhunt

According to the Berlin police, the van crashed into a tree after striking the crowd. Officers found the vehicle abandoned, with no driver inside.

Witnesses told German media they saw a man leave the van and flee on foot. Several witnesses also claimed that people were stabbed after the collision. Police are investigating those reports but have not confirmed them. Investigators have also not ruled out the possibility that more than one person was involved.

Police have identified a suspect and launched a public appeal for information. The suspect has been named as Abdul B., a 21-year-old man whom authorities say is known to police and linked to what they described as an “Islamist milieu”.

He is believed to be around 1.90 metres tall with a slim build and black hair. At the time of the attack, he was reportedly wearing a black hoodie and white trousers.

A large-scale search operation is continuing across Berlin. Police have searched the Tiergarten area and carried out a house search in the Schöneberg neighbourhood, but no arrests have yet been made. Helicopters equipped with thermal imaging cameras have also been deployed.

Authorities have urged the public not to approach the suspect, warning that he may be armed and dangerous, and instead to contact the emergency services immediately if he is seen.

German leaders condemn attack

Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) described the incident as “an attack on our free and open society”.

“The march for a tolerant and peaceful Berlin was attacked in the most brutal way. Berlin is the city of freedom, and that freedom has been attacked in the most horrific manner.”

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) said he was deeply shocked by what he described as “this cowardly, horrific attack on people who were celebrating peacefully”.

“My thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone who witnessed this act. I hope those responsible will be brought to justice as quickly as possible.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) also pledged a swift and determined response. “We will do everything with the utmost determination to clarify this horrific act. We will ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

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🇧🇪 Blogger, keen vexillologist, train conductor NMBS/SNCB, traveller, F1 follower, friend of Dorothy.

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