The man suspected of carrying out what German authorities have described as a likely Islamist terrorist attack at Berlin’s Pride celebrations has been shot dead by police, bringing a nationwide manhunt to an end.
Police said 21-year-old Abdul Ballout, a German citizen of Lebanese descent, was killed after allegedly charging at officers with a knife in the Spandau district of western Berlin on Sunday.
Ballout had been sought since Saturday night, when a white van was driven into crowds near Tiergarten park during the city’s Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations. One woman was killed and at least 29 others were injured. Police also said several people suffered stab wounds during the attack.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said investigators believe the incident was an Islamist terrorist attack, noting that the suspect had a history of criminal offences, radicalisation and links to Islamist circles.
Prosecutors said Ballout had travelled to Lebanon in 2025 intending to join the Islamic State group and was later convicted in Germany of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state. He had previously been convicted of robbery and assault.
Following the attack, German authorities announced heightened security measures and urged other countries to review security arrangements for major public events. Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the scene on Sunday to pay tribute to the victims.
