Berlin CSD van attack triggers security boost and vigils in Germany

A van was driven into the crowd at the Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebration in Berlin, killing one person and injuring 29 others. The attacker, believed to be Islamist‑motivated, died in the incident.

In response, the police announced a heightened presence at the Zissel folk festival in Kassel. Police spokesperson Ulrike Schaake said both uniformed and civilian officers will be deployed, with increased checks and patrols at key locations such as the Auedamm and Karlswiese.

A mourning vigil was held in Neuss under the rainbow flag of the city hall. Organized by the group Queer in Neuss, about 60 participants lit candles, displayed placards reading “Love is love” and “Hass zerstört”, and voiced their resolve, with speakers declaring, “We must not be intimidated – we will continue to celebrate CSD.”