Germany Says Islamist Terrorism Behind Van Attack at Berlin Pride

Overview

• A white van drove into pedestrians near the Christopher Street Day route in Tiergarten on Saturday night, killing one person and injuring dozens, with later counts reporting as many as 29 wounded.
• Police found the vehicle crashed into a tree and abandoned and say one or more people fled on foot, prompting large emergency evacuations and the cancellation of Pride events.
• Officers identified a 21-year-old suspect, named by authorities as Abdul B. or Abdul Ballout, and warned the public not to approach him because he may be armed and dangerous.
• Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said evidence points to an Islamist motive and the federal government has taken over the investigation while border and transport checks were stepped up.
• The attack has intensified debate in Germany over radicalization and public safety and may affect security measures at mass events and the political conversation ahead of regional elections.