The suspect in the attack at Berlin's Christopher Street Day event was found at a garden allotment in Berlin after an extensive manhunt,
The individual suspected in the assault during Berlin’s Christopher Street Day event has died, as confirmed by German law enforcement.
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The public broadcaster rbb reported the suspect, Abdul Ballout, was located at a garden allotment in Berlin. According to German tabloid BILD, police units were dispatched to the Spandau district, where witnesses indicated they heard gunfire.
This arrest came after an extensive search lasting several hours across Berlin, with authorities conducting checks throughout the city, including railway stations, airports, and border checkpoints.
Earlier on Sunday, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) confirmed that one woman died in the Saturday evening attack during Berlin’s Christopher Street Day (CSD), with 29 others injured, several seriously, and some critically. On the outskirts of the event, a vehicle struck a crowd within Tiergarten park. As a result, the Pride event was canceled. Dobrindt stated that the attack has been designated an «Islamist terrorist attack.»
In a statement at the scene on Sunday noon, the minister detailed that the assailant not only used the van as a weapon but reportedly attacked people with a machete afterward. The incident left one female victim deceased and 29 others hurt. Dobrindt expressed that he was «shocked and deeply disturbed.»
Governing Mayor Kai Wegner indicated that the attack occurred outside the official CSD parade route. The route itself remained unaffected. Nevertheless, a considerable number of people were still assembled within a few hundred meters, either departing the event or lingering in the area.
A representative of Charité hospital informed the German Press Agency (dpa) that four patients have already been discharged. Four others remain in intensive care, but «currently» none are reported to be in life-threatening condition.
Chancellor Merz: «We will defend freedom»
On Sunday afternoon, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) participated in a church service at St Mary’s Church on Berlin’s Alexanderplatz for the victims and their families. Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) and Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) also attended alongside him.
Before the service, Merz declared that «freedom will be defended» and that they would not «permit the poison of terrorism and this threat to our freedoms to spread further in society.»
Merz emphasized that all possible measures would be undertaken to swiftly bring those responsible to justice. The federal government would then review the consequences and make necessary decisions. The goal was to respond with both careful reflection and firm resolve. He stated that perpetrators of such acts «have no place at the core of our society» and reaffirmed commitment to defending freedom regardless of political differences.
Who is the suspect?
The suspect, Abdul B., a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese descent, remains at large. According to Dobrindt, he was born in Germany in 2005. Investigations by SZ, NRD, and WDR revealed he had a history of numerous offenses known to authorities.
The security services considered him radicalized and violent. Reports indicate he attempted to travel to Syria to join the terrorist group «Islamic State» (IS). Further information shows that last year he was detained at Berlin airport upon returning from Lebanon on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, spending pre-trial detention until May 2026.
Abdul B. engaged in a deradicalisation programme
According to Die Welt, the suspect was meant to participate in deradicalisation counseling. It had not yet been decided if the 21-year-old would be officially accepted into the program, as he remained in a «clearing phase» to assess if more intensive assistance was required.
So far, only two sessions occurred, with one more planned for the upcoming week. These meetings initially took place voluntarily. Reports mention that Abdul B. appeared courteous and cooperative to counselors, although doubts persisted about his genuine commitment to the deradicalisation process.
Berlin police issued a warning via X advising the public not to approach the suspect, who may be armed and dangerous.