Berlin Pride Attack: Police Shoot Dead Suspect After Deadly Car-Ramming Incident
German police shot dead the main suspect in the deadly Berlin Pride car-ramming attack after he allegedly charged at officers with a bladed weapon, ending a 24-hour manhunt.
Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Abdul Ballout, a German citizen of Lebanese descent. Police located him in Berlin's Spandau district, where officers opened fire after he reportedly advanced toward them armed with a knife. He died at the scene despite emergency medical efforts.
The suspect was accused of driving a van into crowds attending Berlin's Pride celebrations, killing one person and injuring 29 others. German officials said preliminary evidence indicates the attack was motivated by Islamist extremism.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the suspect was previously known to authorities for criminal offences and alleged radicalisation, including a past conviction linked to preparing a serious act of violence. Investigations into the attack and possible security failures remain ongoing.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on Germany's open and democratic society while urging the public not to be intimidated.
