German authorities say known Islamist charged at officers with a knife after day-long manhunt following vehicle-ramming and stabbing that killed one and injured dozens.
The main suspect in a deadly attack near Berlin’s annual Pride celebrations has been shot and killed by police during an operation in the city’s Spandau district, authorities said on Sunday.
The 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese origin, identified as Abdul Ballout (also referred to as Abdul B.), was located around 6pm local time at an allotment garden complex. According to Berlin police, he ran towards officers while armed with a bladed weapon. Special forces from the SEK tactical unit opened fire. Despite immediate attempts by the fire department to resuscitate him, he died at the scene.
One Killed, 29 Injured in Berlin Terror Attack:
The confrontation ended a major manhunt launched after Saturday night’s attack in Tiergarten park, near the Brandenburg Gate and the Christopher Street Day (CSD) Pride events. Authorities say Ballout drove a white minivan into a crowd of people around 10pm, then continued the assault on foot with a machete or similar weapon. One woman was killed and at least 29 others were injured, some critically.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as a likely “Islamist terror attack.” He said the suspect had a history of criminal offences, radicalisation and links to the Islamist scene. Prosecutors later confirmed that Ballout had previously attempted to join the Islamic State group, travelling to Lebanon in 2025 with the aim of reaching Syria. He was arrested there, served a short sentence, and later received a suspended prison term in Germany after admitting to preparing acts of violence and distributing IS propaganda.
Massive Manhunt Follows Deadly Berlin Attack:
Berlin police had publicly released Ballout’s photograph and details earlier on Sunday, appealing for information on his whereabouts. More than 2,000 officers were involved in the search, which included checks at train stations, airports and border crossings.
The attack occurred close to one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ gatherings and has been widely condemned by German leaders. Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it a “heinous” assault on the country’s free and open society, while Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner described it as an attack on the city’s values of freedom and diversity.
A memorial and vigils were held near the Brandenburg Gate as investigations continue. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further threats or copycat incidents and have urged heightened vigilance.