Berlin Pride Attack Suspect Found Dead Following Extensive Police Manhunt
Suspect Located at Garden Allotment After Hours-Long Search
Poinews.com – German media outlets have confirmed that the individual responsible for the violent incident at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day celebration has been killed during a police operation. According to public broadcaster rbb, Abdul Ballout was discovered at a garden allotment within the city. The German tabloid BILD reported that law enforcement officers were dispatched to the Spandau district, where local witnesses heard gunfire.
The operation concluded an extensive search across Berlin that spanned several hours. Police teams conducted thorough examinations at railway stations, airports, and border checkpoints throughout the metropolitan area.
Attack Details and Casualties
Earlier on Saturday evening, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt of the CSU party announced that one woman lost her life while 29 other individuals sustained injuries during the attack. Several victims suffered critical wounds requiring intensive medical attention.
The incident occurred when a vehicle crashed into a gathering of people in Tiergarten park, situated on the outskirts of the main Pride event. Authorities subsequently cancelled the celebration. Minister Dobrindt characterized the incident as an “Islamist terrorist attack” in his official assessment.
“The suspected attacker not only used the van as a weapon, but is said to have gone after people with a machete afterwards.”
Governing Mayor Kai Wegner clarified that the violence took place outside the designated CSD demonstration route. While the official path remained unaffected, numerous attendees were still present within a few hundred meters of the incident, either departing or lingering at the location.
Medical Updates and Official Response
A spokesperson from Charité hospital informed the German Press Agency (dpa) that four patients have already been released. Four additional individuals remain under intensive care treatment, though none face life-threatening conditions at this moment.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU party participated in a memorial church service on Sunday afternoon at St Mary’s Church on Alexanderplatz. Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) and Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) joined the chancellor at the ceremony.
“We will defend freedom” and will not “allow this poison of terrorism and this poison directed against our freedom to spread further in our society”.
Before the service concluded, Merz pledged that authorities would pursue those responsible with maximum speed. The federal government would subsequently evaluate the attack’s implications and implement suitable measures. He emphasized that decisions would be made with both calm consideration and firm resolve.
“Perpetrators of such crimes have no place at the heart of our society,” Merz declared, adding that societal freedom would be protected regardless of party-political divisions.
Suspect Background and Deradicalization Status
Abdul B., a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese descent, was identified as the primary suspect. Minister Dobrindt confirmed that the man was born in Germany in 2005. Investigations by SZ, NRD, and WDR revealed that authorities were already familiar with him due to multiple prior offenses.
Security services classified the suspect as radicalized and prone to violent behavior. Reports indicate he previously attempted to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State terrorist organization. Additionally, he was detained at Berlin airport last year upon returning from Lebanon, facing suspicion of preparing a terrorist offense. He remained in pre-trial custody until May 2026.
The daily newspaper Die Welt reported that the suspected attacker was scheduled to participate in deradicalization counseling. However, permanent admission to the program remained undecided, as he was still undergoing the clearing phase to determine whether more intensive support would be necessary. Only two meetings had occurred so far, with another appointment planned for the upcoming week. These sessions initially operated on a voluntary basis.
According to available reports, Abdul B. presented himself as polite and cooperative during counseling sessions. Nevertheless, concerns emerged regarding his genuine commitment to the deradicalization process.
Berlin police issued a warning via their X platform, advising the public not to approach the suspected attacker, noting that he could be armed and dangerous.
