Suspect in deadly attack on Berlin CSD shot dead by police

Berlin – 26 July 2026: Following the deadly attack on the outskirts of Berlin’s Christopher Street Day, the suspected perpetrator was shot dead during a police operation. The 21-year-old is alleged to have driven a van into a group of people near the event area on the evening of 25 July. One person was killed and 29 others were injured.

Police located the suspect on Sunday evening in an outer western district of Berlin after a manhunt lasting almost 24 hours. According to the emergency services, a confrontation occurred during the arrest. The man is said to have approached police officers with a bladed weapon, whereupon officers opened fire. The suspect died at the scene. The exact circumstances surrounding the use of firearms are being investigated separately.

The attack took place in the Tiergarten, not far from the closing event at the Brandenburg Gate. According to the current state of the investigation, the van drove into a group of people and subsequently crashed into a tree. Several of those injured are also said to have suffered cuts or stab wounds. Whether the driver inflicted them himself and what exactly happened are the subject of the investigation. The celebrations were called off after the attack.

Berlin police had publicly searched for the man and warned people not to approach him on their own. According to the information available so far, he was known to security authorities and was considered part of the capital’s Islamist scene. Prosecutors and police are examining the motive, the preparation of the attack and possible links to extremist networks. The involvement of other individuals is also being investigated.

According to media reports, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the attack as a suspected Islamist-motivated act of terrorism. This assessment is based on the findings available so far from the security authorities; a final assessment is still pending. The vehicle, digital evidence and witness statements are expected to provide further indications of planning and motives.

Berlin’s Christopher Street Day is among Europe’s largest Pride events. Hundreds of thousands of people had come to the capital on 25 July to demonstrate for the rights and social equality of queer people. The attack struck visitors on the outskirts of the official event programme and triggered a major emergency and police operation.

Authorities initially released neither the identity of the person killed nor further information about the health conditions of those injured. Alongside the criminal investigation, authorities are examining whether the actions of the officers involved in the fatal operation were lawful.