Two major Pride events in Europe are taking place under heightened security this weekend due to an extremist attack in Berlin last week. Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, is hosting its Pride parade with an expected attendance of around 250,000 people. Hamburg’s police chief has announced that the number of officers will be doubled compared to last year to ensure enhanced protection during the event.

Hamburg’s Pride parade theme this year is “Queer in solidarity. Take a stand — for a future without fear.” A truck representing the Berlin event is part of the parade, with individuals asked to wear dark clothing to honor the victims of the Berlin attack.

Amsterdam is also celebrating Pride with a canal boat parade, a highlight of their annual festival. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten joined the celebration, riding a small boat adorned in a white shirt, black life vest, and gold necklace. He waved to the large crowds as techno music played across the parade route. The event saw participation from boats representing various Dutch government ministries, the military, police, and LGBTQ+ groups.

To ensure safety in Amsterdam, police motorboats patrolled the canals and a helicopter monitored from above. Mayor Femke Halsema stated, despite additional security measures, visitors will hopefully experience minimal disruption.

The Berlin attack saw Abdul Ballout drive a vehicle into crowds during the city’s Pride event, known as Christopher Street Day, subsequently wielding a machete. Ballout eluded the police for 24 hours before being shot and killed in a Berlin suburb. Authorities identified him as a German citizen with Lebanese roots linked to ISIS and flagged in a deradicalization program.

Following the attack, hundreds gathered at a makeshift memorial, adorned with flowers, rainbow flags, candles, and signs in memory of the victims. “This is not normal; those are just people,” a woman at the memorial shared with CBS News, emphasizing the unjust nature of the tragedy.