Berlin, July 27, 2026 – The Berlin CSD Association (Berliner CSD e. V.) has released a statement expressing shock and deep sadness following an attack that led to the premature conclusion of the 48th Berlin CSD rally on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The organization’s thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by the incident.
Event Evacuation and Safety Measures
According to the statement, the Berlin CSD Association was informed by the police shortly after 10:00 p.m. about a dangerous situation near the closing rally. In response, the board of the Berlin CSD Association immediately called off the rally. The stage program and operations of all food and beverage stands were suspended, and visitors were instructed via displays and announcements to leave the venue immediately and in an orderly manner towards the Brandenburg Gate. The association noted that participants followed these instructions promptly, calmly, and without further incident.
The Berlin CSD events operate with a comprehensive security concept developed in cooperation with the Berlin police. Additionally, the Berlin CSD Association had implemented supporting measures for information flow, fire protection, occupational safety, and a stewarding concept. These measures were coordinated with various authorities, including the Berlin Fire Brigade, Berlin Police, Federal Police, ASB Berlin, DB Sicherheit, and the districts of Tempelhof-Schöneberg and Mitte, which facilitated a swift, orderly, and safe evacuation of the event area.
Support for Those Affected and Gratitude to Responders
The association extended its thanks to all volunteers and participants who intended to demonstrate peacefully. Many ended the day in a highly distressing emotional state, and the experienced events may have lasting effects. The Berlin CSD Association recommends that all affected individuals utilize available psychological counseling services, noting that emergency pastoral care is also available for their own team members.
Gratitude was also expressed to all helpers and emergency responders for their immediate, swift, and professional actions, which were deemed decisive in the situation. The Berlin CSD Association specifically thanked the police, fire brigade, emergency services, the Berlin Senate, and other involved authorities for their cooperation and support during this difficult time.
Condemnation of Violence and Call for Unity
The Berlin CSD Association reiterated that the Berlin CSD stands for cohesion, respect, and solidarity. The statement emphasized the need for composure and compassion for the victims and their families. The organization firmly rejects all forms of violence, stating, “Right-wing or religious ideologies pursue the aim of suppressing queer people.” The association explicitly identified and condemned Islamist terror without relativization, while also resolutely opposing any attempts to instrumentalize the act to incite hatred against Muslims or people of particular origins.
The statement concluded by asserting that such violence aims to divide society and set people against one another, a goal that the Berlin CSD Association will not allow. They affirmed their commitment to remaining vocal and unyielding, declaring, “Love is stronger than hate.”
