German authorities are investigating a deadly attack near Berlin’s Pride celebrations after a man allegedly drove a van into a crowd before carrying out a knife attack, killing one person and injuring dozens in what officials believe was an act of Islamist terrorism.
According to German officials, the suspect, identified as Abdul Ballout, remains on the run. Police have issued a nationwide wanted notice, warning the public that he may be armed and dangerous.
Authorities Believe Attack Was Terror-Related
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said investigators believe all available evidence points to an Islamist extremist motive.
The attack left one person dead and 29 others injured, including several victims with life-threatening wounds.
Officials said the suspect had previously come to the attention of law enforcement due to criminal offences and alleged links to extremist circles in Berlin.
Attack Happened Near Berlin Pride Celebrations
The violence unfolded late Saturday evening when a white van drove into pedestrians near Tiergarten Park, close to Berlin’s annual Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations.
Although the attack did not occur directly on the parade route or at the main festival stage, it happened only a short distance away while thousands of people were still attending Pride events across the city.
After crashing into a tree, the suspect reportedly left the vehicle and allegedly attacked additional victims with a machete before fleeing the scene.
The Pride celebrations were immediately suspended, and organisers urged attendees to leave the area safely.
Police Continue Large-Scale Manhunt
German police carried out multiple raids overnight, including searches at properties linked to the suspect in Berlin’s Schöneberg district.
Authorities confirmed the suspect was born in Germany to Lebanese parents and had previously received a suspended prison sentence.
Investigators continue to search for him while reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness statements.
LGBTQ+ Community Responds With Defiance
The attack has shocked Germany’s LGBTQ+ community, with many returning to the scene to leave flowers and pay tribute to the victims.
Ashley Jump, who travelled from the United Kingdom to attend Berlin Pride, said the attack would not weaken the community’s spirit.
“We will never disappear. We have always existed, and we always will,” they said while visiting the memorial.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups described the incident as an attack on freedom, diversity and equality.
German Leaders Condemn Violence
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the incident as an attack on German society and pledged that the country would continue defending democracy, freedom and openness.
Interior Minister Dobrindt also announced that security arrangements for upcoming Pride celebrations and other major public events across Germany would be reviewed and strengthened.
Europe Watches Security Situation Closely
The attack has prompted heightened security concerns across Europe.
In neighbouring Netherlands, officials overseeing Amsterdam’s World Pride celebrations confirmed they are closely monitoring developments while remaining committed to allowing festivities to continue safely.
Authorities across Europe have also warned about the possibility of copycat attacks and are increasing security around major public gatherings.
