German authorities are investigating a deadly attack near Berlin’s Pride celebrations after a man allegedly drove a van into pedestrians before attacking people with a knife. The incident killed one person and injured 29 others, raising concerns about possible Islamist terrorism.
Police have launched a nationwide search for the suspect, identified by officials as Abdul Ballout. Authorities have warned that he may be armed and dangerous.
Authorities Investigate Possible Islamist Motive
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said investigators believe the available evidence points toward an Islamist extremist motive.
The attack left one person dead and 29 others injured, including several people with life-threatening wounds.
Authorities said the suspect had previously attracted the attention of law enforcement because of criminal offences and alleged connections to extremist circles in Berlin.
Investigators are continuing to examine evidence to establish the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack.
Attack Occurred Near Berlin Pride Events
The violence occurred late Saturday near Tiergarten Park, close to Berlin’s annual Christopher Street Day celebrations.
A white van reportedly struck pedestrians before crashing into a tree. The suspect then allegedly left the vehicle and attacked additional people with a machete before fleeing.
The incident did not take place directly on the main Pride parade route or festival stage. However, it happened nearby while thousands of people were attending Pride-related events throughout Berlin.
Organisers suspended the celebrations as authorities responded to the attack and urged visitors to leave the area safely.
Nationwide Manhunt Underway
German police launched a large-scale operation to find the suspect.
Officers conducted raids and searched properties reportedly connected to him in Berlin’s Schöneberg district. Investigators are also examining surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.
Authorities said the suspect was born in Germany to Lebanese parents and had previously received a suspended prison sentence.
Police have urged members of the public to avoid approaching him and to report any information that could help locate him.
LGBTQ+ Community Responds
The attack shocked Berlin’s LGBTQ+ community and Pride participants.
People returned to the area to leave flowers and remember those affected by the violence. Some members of the community said the attack would not undermine their commitment to equality and visibility.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups condemned the violence and described it as an attack on freedom, diversity and inclusion.
German Leaders Condemn the Violence
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the incident and pledged continued efforts to protect democracy, freedom and an open society.
Interior Minister Dobrindt said security arrangements for future Pride celebrations and other major public events would be reviewed.
Authorities are expected to examine whether additional security measures are necessary around large gatherings.
Security Concerns Spread Across Europe
The incident has also raised concerns about security at major public events elsewhere in Europe.
Officials in neighbouring countries are monitoring the situation closely as authorities assess the possibility of copycat attacks.
With large Pride celebrations and other public gatherings continuing across Europe, governments face growing pressure to balance public safety with the right to peaceful assembly.
The investigation in Berlin remains ongoing as police continue searching for the suspect and work to establish the full circumstances behind the deadly attack.
