One person was killed and 29 injured in a car attack near the Pride festival in the German capital, Berlin. A suspect in the attack was shot dead by police after the incident. Authorities said the victim was under surveillance due to his involvement in extremist activities in the past.
The incident took place on Saturday night in the Tiergarten area near the Brandenburg Gate. The area is close to the venue for ‘Christopher Street Day’, one of the biggest LGBTQ events in Europe.
Cars are handed over to pedestrians
According to police and local authorities, a minivan hit pedestrians. One person was killed and many others were injured. Some of the injured were reported to have sustained injuries from sharp weapons.
Soon after the incident, the security forces took control of the entire area and launched an operation to find the attacker.
Suspect killed by police in operation
Berlin police said the suspect was located in the city’s western Spandau district the following day. It was initially reported that he had a sharp weapon in his hand when he approached the police officers.
According to the police, firing was fired to bring the situation under control. Later, emergency treatment was attempted but he died on the spot.
Investigation into allegations of extremism
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the suspect was under the watch of law enforcement because of his past links to criminal activity and extremism.
He said investigators are looking into the motive behind the incident and possible ideological implications. But the final decision will be known only after the investigation is over.
Chancellor’s message to protect freedom and security
After the incident, German Chancellor Friedrich Marz urged the country’s citizens not to panic. He said Germany will remain committed to protecting its liberal values, freedom and social security.
Thousands of people attended the commemoration held in Berlin. Many held rainbow flags in protest and solidarity. Candles are lit and flowers are laid in memory of the deceased in the Tiergarten area.
Strict action is demanded
After the incident, various political parties in Germany demanded to strengthen the security system. Some politicians have called for tougher policies to counter extremism.
Security sources said the suspect was previously in prison or correctional facilities and was under surveillance by intelligence agencies.
The immigration and security debate is more intense
The Berlin attack has intensified the ongoing political debate in Germany over security, immigration and countering extremism. The country has seen several incidents of car attacks in public areas in recent years.
However, human rights organizations say that besides strengthening the security system, the legal process and the protection of individual rights must also be ensured.
German authorities said investigations into the motive for the attack, possible accomplices and whether there were any weaknesses in security systems were ongoing.
Source: Reuters
