Suspect killed after allegedly charging at officers with a knife following deadly Berlin Pride attack
The man suspected of carrying out the deadly attack at Berlin’s Pride celebrations has been shot and killed by police, bringing an end to a massive manhunt launched after the incident.
German authorities identified the suspect as Abdul Ballout, a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese heritage. Police said officers opened fire after he allegedly rushed at them with a knife during an operation in the western Berlin borough of Spandau.
The suspect was wanted after a white van was driven into crowds near Tiergarten Park on Saturday night, killing one woman and injuring at least 29 others. Police also said several people were stabbed during the attack.
Authorities describe attack as suspected terrorism
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said investigators believe the incident was an “Islamist terror attack.”
According to authorities, Ballout had a history of criminal offences and had previously come to the attention of security agencies over alleged radicalisation and links to Islamist extremists.
Officials said Germany would strengthen security measures following the attack and advised other countries to review security plans for major public events.
Suspect had previous terrorism-related conviction
Prosecutors revealed that Ballout allegedly travelled to Lebanon in 2025 intending to join the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria.
He was arrested in Lebanon later that year and sentenced to three months in prison before returning to Germany.
In May this year, he received a one-year and 10-month prison sentence for preparing a serious act of violence threatening state security. However, the sentence was suspended, and he was placed under the supervision of a parole officer.
He also had previous convictions for assault, robbery and theft.
Germany mourns victims as investigation continues
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the scene of the attack on Sunday and later attended a church service honouring the victims.
He pledged to defend Germany’s freedom and openness, saying extremists had no place in society and that terrorism would not undermine the country’s values.
The attack brought an abrupt end to Berlin’s Christopher Street Day celebrations, one of Europe’s largest Pride events.
Authorities later cancelled scheduled activities in the area, while members of the LGBT community gathered near the Brandenburg Gate for a vigil to honour the victims and condemn extremism.
Police said those injured in the attack are no longer believed to be in life-threatening condition.
