Berlin, July 26 (dpa/GNA) – Hundreds of people gathered at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate on Sunday to mourn the victims of the attack on the city’s Pride event the previous day.
Emotions at the central Berlin landmark ranged from shock and grief to anger and resolve. A police helicopter circled overhead, while officers continued their search for the suspect.
A nationwide manhunt is under way in Germany, after what officials are calling an Islamist terrorist attack in which a white van hit parade participants, before an attacker targeted them with a machete and then fled.
“Yesterday was an attack on all of us, on all our identities, our existence, our community, and our democracy, but we will not let it defeat us,” one speaker said.
Mourners laid flowers, lit candles and embraced as they remembered those affected by the attack. Many carried rainbow flags, placards and banners bearing messages, including “Hatred is deadly,” “An attack on one of us is an attack on all” and “We will dance again.”
A large banner hanging beside the stage intended to be used for Saturday’s event read, “Protect queer lives.” The crowd observed a minute’s silence.
Parts of the square were secured with barriers, but many people also gathered outside the restricted area to take part in the commemoration, demonstrating widespread solidarity with those affected by the attack.
GNA