German police have shot dead the 21-year-old suspect wanted for a deadly van ramming attack near Berlin's Pride festival, an incident authorities have described as Islamist terrorism. The suspect, identified as Abdul Ballout, was killed in a police operation following an intensive manhunt, according to German media reports. Police had issued a wanted notice with Ballout's photo and warned the public not to approach him.
The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon near the route of the Christopher Street Day parade, Berlin's annual LGBTQ+ celebration. A van drove into a crowd of people waiting at a junction, killing one person and injuring 16 others. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the entire Pride event was halted. Participants were directed to shelters, and public transport in the area was suspended.
Germany's interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, confirmed that Ballout was the chief suspect and that the attack was being treated as an act of Islamist terrorism. German media reported that Ballout was a supporter of the Islamic State extremist group and had a criminal conviction from May this year. The nature of that conviction has not been officially disclosed, but it is understood to be related to extremist activity.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack, stating that such attackers «have only one purpose... to take away our openness and freedom». He expressed solidarity with the victims and the LGBTQ+ community, and thanked the security forces for their rapid response.
The manhunt for Ballout lasted several hours, involving helicopters, canine units, and armed police. The suspect was eventually located in a residential area on the outskirts of Berlin. When confronted, he reportedly attempted to flee and was shot dead by officers. An investigation into the police shooting is now under way, as is standard procedure in such cases.
Ballout's criminal past and links to extremism have raised concerns about how he was able to carry out the attack. German authorities are reviewing his recent movements and contacts, seeking to determine whether he acted alone or as part of a wider network. Security analysts note that the targeting of an LGBTQ+ event is consistent with the ideology of Islamic State, which has called for attacks on gay people and liberal societies.
The attack has sent shockwaves through Berlin and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Pride events across Germany have increased security measures, and vigils have been planned in memory of the victim. International LGBTQ+ organisations have expressed outrage and solidarity. Berlin's mayor visited the scene and promised a full security review.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending notification of relatives. Of the 16 injured, several are in serious condition, according to hospital officials. The incident is the most serious attack on an LGBTQ+ gathering in Europe since the 2022 shooting outside a gay nightclub in Oslo.
As the investigation continues, German officials are calling for calm and vigilance. The interior ministry has urged the public to remain alert but not to live in fear. The swift conclusion of the manhunt has been praised, but questions remain about the radicalisation of young individuals in Germany.
