Archbishop Heiner Koch condemns deadly attack on LGBT event in Berlin

Archbishop Heiner Koch condemned a deadly attack on an LGBT Pride event in Berlin, stating that hatred must not win. The attack occurred on a Saturday evening when a white minivan was driven into a crowd at Tiergarten park during the annual Christopher Street Day celebration. The incident killed one woman and injured at least 29 people, some of whom sustained serious injuries.

According to media reports, the driver crashed the vehicle into a tree approximately 1,300 feet outside the secured festival area before attacking bystanders with a machete and fleeing. German media identified the suspect as 21-year-old Abdul B., a German citizen of Lebanese background whom authorities classified as a potential Islamist attacker. Reports from NZZ indicate the suspect had previously attempted to join the Islamic State in Syria and received a suspended juvenile sentence in May for preparing a serious act of violence.

Archbishop Koch told the German Catholic news agency KNA that the destruction of the celebration was terrible. He said the Archdiocese of Berlin would offer prayers during Sunday Masses for the victims, their relatives, and for peaceful coexistence in society.