Berlin's Queer Commissioner on Fatal Car Ramming Attack on LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration

Attack at Berlin Pride Celebration [timestamp]

• A man drove a minivan into a crowd near Berlin's Pride celebration on Saturday.
• One person was killed and 29 others were injured in the attack.
• Authorities later shot and killed the alleged suspect during an operation on Sunday.

  "I can only say that Berlin, as a city of freedom and diversity, will continue to stand strong and make its position clearer."

Suspect Identification and Background [timestamp]

• The alleged suspect was identified as Abdul Balut, a 21-year-old German citizen.
• Authorities stated he had tried to join the Islamic State.
• He was released from prison in May, despite being jailed for preparing an attack.

  "We have to see now what the further investigations bring along."

Community Response and Vigil [timestamp]

• Thousands gathered around Brandenburg Gate in Berlin for a community vigil on Sunday.
• The vigil aimed to commemorate the attack, honor the injured, and support those who lost loved ones.
• Attendees expressed shock and grief over the horrific act.

  "But we are also with all those who are simply utterly shocked by the news."

Queer Commissioner's Perspective [timestamp]

• Alfonso Pantesano, the Queer Commissioner of the Berlin State Government, was present at the rally.
• He described the day as people celebrating diversity and freedom, but also being reminded they are under attack.
• Pantesano noted the shift in politics and the need for equal treatment.

  "At the evening, almost at the end of the celebrations, after a beautiful concert, suddenly the stage program stopped and we got evacuated."

Security Concerns and Investigations [timestamp]

• Pantesano acknowledged the incredible job of the Berlin police in securing events.
• He stated there is no such thing as 100 percent security.
• Investigations are ongoing to understand how the man could enter the park with a van.

  "I have no idea yet what the investigations will bring to light and how a man could possibly enter the Teer Garden Park late at night with a van."

Fears of Far-Right Exploitation [timestamp]

• Pantesano expressed concern that the far right would use the attack to fuel anti-Islam and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
• He likened this to birds of prey feeding on a dead animal.
• He highlighted the global problem of radical Islamist groups and religions that do not accept queer life.

  "Everyone is now focusing again on the racist and also Islamophobic comments."

Pervasive Queer-Phobia in Germany [timestamp]

• Pantesano pointed out that while focusing on external threats, the far right ignores queer-phobia within Germany.
• He cited queer-phobia existing in schools, workplaces, churches, and sports.
• He criticized political parties and rhetoric that fuel hate and insecurity within the LGBTI community.

  "But by doing so, they completely forget and avoid to look at how much queer phobia there is in this country, in all various levels of structures..."

Political Rhetoric and its Impact [timestamp]

• Pantesano criticized comments from political leaders, including the Chancellor, regarding the rainbow flag.
• He argued that such rhetoric fuels hate and insecurity within the LGBTI community.
• He emphasized that the community is under attack and needs to reflect on the current societal direction.

  "This fuels the rhetoric. This fuels the hate. This fuels the insecurity within the LGBTI community."