Friedrich Merz says "and we will preserve and defend that" regarding open society

A van struck attendees of Berlin's LGBT+ pride event Saturday night, resulting in one fatality and at least 16 injuries, leading authorities to cancel further festivities. Police identified a 21-year-old suspect with alleged ties to extremist groups in the city, and a manhunt is underway. The attack occurred in Tiergarten park near the parade route, prompting an immediate evacuation of the event. Officials are investigating witness accounts of possible stab wounds in addition to the vehicle impact. The incident disrupted one of Europe's largest LGBT+ celebrations, drawing condemnation from local leaders who characterized it as an assault on open society.