LGBTQIA+ organisations across Europe have expressed solidarity with the victims of Saturday night’s (25 July 2026) deadly attack at Berlin‘s Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebrations, warning that the tragedy must not be exploited to fuel hatred or division.
One person was killed and at least 16 others were injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd gathered for Berlin Pride. The perpetrator, Abdul Ballout (21), was tracked down on Sunday evening and shot by the police, as he was attacking the officers.
In the aftermath of the attack, organisations from Belgium and across Europe condemned the violence, offered support to Berlin’s LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirmed that Pride events remain vital symbols of freedom, equality and democracy.
ILGA-Europe warns against division
Brussels-based LGBTQIA+ rights organisation ILGA-Europe said it was “deeply saddened” by the attack and urged political leaders not to allow the incident to be used to target other minority groups.
“We condemn the violence, and stand with Berlin’s LGBTI community and everyone who came together to celebrate Pride and to exercise their right to be visible, to assemble and to stand up for equality,” said Executive Director Chaber.
Referring to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen‘s statement that Pride represents “freedom, dignity, and equality”, Chaber added: “This freedom is what Pride represents. It is also what democracy must protect.”
ILGA-Europe also warned against attempts to politicise the attack. “This tragedy must not be used to fuel hatred against migrants, foreigners or Muslim communities. We reject any attempt by anti-democratic actors to exploit what happened to divide communities, scapegoat minorities or turn one group against another.”
The organisation stressed that LGBTQIA+ people should never be used to justify hatred towards others.
“LGBTI people must not be instrumentalised to spread hatred against others, nor should the existence of racism, Islamophobia or anti-migrant hatred be used to minimise the threats faced by LGBTI people. The rights, safety and dignity of all people must be defended.”
Warning of a broader trend across Europe, Chaber said: “When hatred is normalised, it contributes to a wider climate of division and dehumanisation. We must refuse this politics of fear.”
Chaber added: “The answer to an attack on people exercising their freedom cannot be less freedom. The answer to hatred cannot be more hatred. And the answer to violence cannot be to turn minorities against one another.”
ILGA-Europe concluded by reaffirming its support for Berlin’s LGBTQIA+ community. “Protecting Pride means protecting the freedom to come together, to be visible and to stand up for equality. Protecting democracy means defending those freedoms for everyone. We stand with the people of Berlin and with the LGBTI community. We will continue to defend a Europe where everyone can live, love and stand up for their rights without fear.”
Belgian organisations express solidarity
Belgian LGBTQIA+ organisations also responded with messages of mourning and support.
Forbidden Colours said: “We are devastated by the deadly attack during Berlin Pride. Our deepest condolences go to the loved ones of the person who was killed. Our thoughts are with everyone injured, their families, the organisers and the entire LGBTIQ+ community in Berlin. Pride is an expression of freedom, visibility and resistance. Terror and hatred will never force us back into silence. Today, we mourn together. Berlin, we stand with you.”
Çavaria
Belgian LGBTQIA+ umbrella organisation çavaria described the attack as a deliberate act of violence.
“What should have been a day of protest and celebration at Berlin Pride turned into a horrific moment. A car deliberately drove into a group of people. Our support and thoughts are with the victims and everyone present. Against this hatred, extremism and violence, we place solidarity and community.”
Het Roze Huis
Antwerp-based LGBTQIA+ centre Het Roze Huis said the attack had turned a day that should have celebrated freedom and visibility into an unimaginable tragedy.
“It is with deep shock that we learned of the deadly attack during Pride in Berlin. What should have been a day of visibility, freedom and togetherness ended in an unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, friends and everyone affected by this senseless violence. We also stand with the LGBTQIA+ community in Berlin, once again confronted with fear at a moment when safety and solidarity should have been central.”
“Pride is not a provocation. Pride is not a threat. Pride is a peaceful call for everyone to be who they are.”
“Let this tragedy not divide us, but bring us closer together. Hatred must never win over love. Fear must never be stronger than solidarity. From Het Roze Huis, we send our support and compassion to everyone affected today. Today we mourn with Berlin. Tomorrow we will continue building a world in which everyone can safely be themselves.”
