Friedrich Merz says "openness, diversity and freedom" were the values victims advocated

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that victims of a weekend assault in Berlin during a major LGBTQ+ celebration had been advocating for certain values when they were struck by an alleged Islamist extremist. A 21-year-old German man of Lebanese descent, already known to authorities as an Islamic State supporter with a prior conviction for preparing a violent act, reportedly drove a van into a crowd near the Pride finale, then attacked bystanders with a knife, killing a Polish woman and injuring 29 others before being shot dead by police. Merz, responding to criticism from the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), promised careful but firm action on security gaps. The incident has intensified political debate ahead of three upcoming state elections where the AfD is polling strongly.