Hamburg Pride March Takes Place Under Heavy Security After Berlin Attack
On Saturday, Hamburg held its annual Pride march, one of the largest in Germany, under heightened security measures following a deadly attack in Berlin.
Organizers expected around 250,000 participants, with this year's theme being “Queer in Solidarity. Take a Stand — For a Future Without Fear.”
A platform representing the Berlin event, known as Christopher Street Day (CSD), joined the parade at the last moment. Participants on this truck were asked to wear dark clothing in respect for the victims of the recent attack, which resulted in one death and 29 injuries.
On July 25, a man drove a van into people near the closing party of Berlin Pride and then attacked others with what appeared to be a machete.
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The suspect, 21-year-old Abdul Ballout, died in a confrontation with police. Investigators later found a video in which he allegedly pledges allegiance to the Islamic State.
Ballout, born in Germany to Lebanese parents, traveled to Lebanon in 2025 with the intention of joining ISIS in Syria.
The Hamburg police chief stated that there would be about twice as many officers ensuring safety at this year's event compared to last year.
“After the brutal attack on CSD in Berlin, many in the queer community and society at large are unsure whether it is safe to be here,” said Hamburg's deputy mayor, Katharina Fegebank.
“I believe it is more important than ever for everyone to take to the streets, to stand up for diversity, freedom, and an open society, and above all, to show full solidarity with the queer community,” she added.
“You know, when something like this happens, we all have to show that we are not afraid and will not let this break us,” said Petra Schwab, who attended the parade in Hamburg.
