FORT McMURRAY — The 2SLGBTQ+ community is reacting to the recent attack near a Pride event in Berlin, Germany, which left one person dead and 29 others injured.
Mitch Bowers, executive director of Wood Buffalo Pride , said the organization’s thoughts are with the victims and their families.
“An attack on Pride is an attack on all of us,” Bowers said. “This is not an isolated event, but part of a broader rise in anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate and violence.”
Bowers also pointed to an alleged plot targeting Halifax Pride earlier this month, which police disrupted before an attack could take place.
“Pride has always been a meaningful act of visibility, resistance, and hope. No one should have to fear for their safety simply for gathering in celebration of dignity, equality, and human rights,” Bowers said.
German authorities are treating Saturday night’s violence as an act of terrorism.
Police say a white van drove into Berlin’s Tiergarten park at about 10 p.m., striking several people before crashing into a tree. Authorities say the driver then attacked people with a bladed weapon before fleeing.
The attack happened a few hundred metres from the Brandenburg Gate, where celebrations were underway following Berlin’s annual Christopher Street Day Pride parade. Hundreds of thousands of people had gathered in the German capital for one of Europe’s largest Pride celebrations.
Police identified 21-year-old German citizen Abdul Ballout as the suspect and launched a search involving officers from several German states. Authorities warned the public he could be armed and dangerous.
German officials said Sunday Ballout was killed during a confrontation with police in a Berlin suburb, ending a search lasting nearly 24 hours.
One woman was killed in the attack. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt put the number of injured at 29, including people who suffered life-threatening injuries.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged people not to be intimidated or divided by the violence. Security arrangements for other major events across Germany are also being reviewed following the attack.
Bowers said solidarity remains important following the violence.
“Our community has always endured through solidarity, and we will continue to do so together.”
People in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo who are struggling following the attack can access local and provincial supports.
Pride Wood Buffalo can be reached at 587-646-6626 or info@wbpride.ca. Its offices are located at the Redpoll Centre at SMS Equipment Place. Pride Wood Buffalo website
Some Other Solutions offers counselling and mental health support in Fort McMurray. Its office can be reached at 780-743-8605, while its 24-hour crisis line is available at 780-743-4357 or toll-free at 1-800-565-3801. Some Other Solutions website
Across Alberta, 211 is now the province’s main access point for mental health and addiction services. Albertans can call or text 211 around the clock for free, confidential help connecting with crisis support, counselling and other services. Alberta mental health and addiction resources
Health Link is available 24 hours a day by calling 811, including access to addiction and mental health support. The Alberta Mental Health Help Line can also be reached at 1-877-303-2642. Alberta Health Link and mental health resources
Canada’s 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is available by calling or texting 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
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