German authorities have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection to a fatal attack at a Pride event.
The Christopher Street Day (CSD) took place in Münster city, in western Germany, where more than 10,000 people gathered for the celebration.
The victim, only identified by his first name, Malte, was a 25-year-old trans man who was attacked after he defended a couple who received homophobic abuse.
He was then beaten until he was unconscious by the attacker. After multiple operations and being placed into an induced coma, he died of his injuries on 2 September.
Police appealed for witnesses in the days that followed the incident. They confirmed on Friday that a suspect had been arrested.
Danke, #Dresden! #Malte pic.twitter.com/Pqd3xUjIT0
— Sven Lehmann (er/he) (@svenlehmann) September 3, 2022
Authorities stated they used photos and photo footage provided by onlookers which captured the perpetrator in the attack.
He was apprehended in Münster’s main train station.
Sven Lehmann, Germany’s first LGBTQ+ commissioner, issued a statement on Twitter following Malte’s death.
He wrote: “After a hate attack at CSD Münster, Malte died. I am stunned and sad. My condolences and deepest sympathy go out to his family and friends. Violence against queer people is a threat we all need to confront.”
Prosecutors have asked for the man to be kept in investigative detention on suspicion of bodily harm resulting in death.
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