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Following the suspected Islamist terrorist attack on the fringes of Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Berlin, the suspect was killed during a police operation.
According to a statement from the Berlin police, the man was shot and died of his injuries despite immediate resuscitation efforts. According to Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), a woman was killed and 31 people were injured in the attack on Saturday evening, which involved a car and was followed by an attack with a bladed weapon, believed to be a machete. According to the police, none of the injured were in a life-threatening condition by Sunday afternoon. Witnesses are asked to submit any relevant information, as well as photos or videos they have taken themselves of the incident, through the Berlin Police reporting platform (Hinweisportal) to assist with the ongoing investigation.
The State Office for Health and Social Affairs has set up a telephone helpline for those affected by the attack. According to the State Office, people who have been directly or indirectly affected by the attack can seek support by calling 030 902 296 300. The helpline provides information on the benefits available under social compensation law for those affected by acts of violence and terrorist offences.
The counselling service is aimed in particular at those directly injured, people who witnessed the attack and are suffering psychological distress as a result, as well as relatives and close friends of those affected and bereaved families. The helpline is available from Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 4 pm.
A memorial event took place at Pariser Platz on the 26th of July. The FLINTA choir D-Dur Dykes* had organised the event via Instagram. Hundreds of people laid flowers, lit candles and embraced one another, whilst others held aloft rainbow flags, placards and banners bearing slogans such as “Hate is deadly”, “An attack on one is an attack on us all” and “We will dance again”. A banner reading “Protect queer lives” hung from the stage on Pariser Platz. A minute’s silence was also observed in front of the Brandenburg Gate. The area was partly cordoned off, but many people took part in the commemoration from behind the barriers as well. In the evening, the Brandenburg Gate was illuminated in the colours of the rainbow.
The Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, has expressed his relief that the suspect in the allegedly Islamist-motivated terrorist attack has been apprehended. “The fact that the Berlin police have apprehended the suspect within 24 hours is a major success for the investigating authorities,” the CDU politician said on RBB this evening. “And for that I am very grateful.”