Sønderborg Pride organizer seeks police meeting after Berlin attack

The organizer of Sønderborg Pride is contacting South and Sønderjylland Police to review security measures for the upcoming parade, following Saturday’s attack on a Pride event in Berlin, Danish broadcaster DR reports.

Niels Christian Aahøj Bech, chair of LGBTQ+ Sønderborg, said he was 300 meters from where a 21-year-old man drove a car into a crowd, killing one and injuring 29. He now wants to ensure maximum safety for the local event, scheduled for August 17–22.

“I’m doing this to make sure we’ve considered all security aspects for the parade. Everyone should feel safe and secure,” Bech said. He added that while he trusts police, he wants to confirm that the association is doing everything possible to foster a sense of safety.

Bech, who was in Berlin during the attack, also urged other Pride organizations to engage in dialogue with local police. “Now that this situation is current, I think all Prides or upcoming Prides need to have this conversation with the police,” he said.