On the night of July 25, 2026, a van was driven into a crowd attending the Berlin Pride event at Tiergarten park, near the Brandenburg Gate, resulting in one woman killed and at least 29 people injured.
The incident occurred around 22:00 local time during the Christopher Street Day celebration, a large annual LGBTQ+ event. Authorities also reported that some victims suffered stab wounds, possibly from a machete-like weapon, leading to the event's immediate cancellation.
Police quickly located the vehicle, which had crashed into a tree, and launched a city-wide manhunt for the suspect. The individual has been identified as 21-year-old Abdul Ballout, a German citizen of Lebanese descent. Ballout is known to law enforcement with a criminal record and was previously imprisoned before being released on parole.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt indicated that the suspect had undergone radicalization and has links to Islamist extremism, including attempts to join the Islamic State group. Reports state he was detained in Lebanon in 2025 and participated in a de-radicalization program after returning to Germany.
Police warned the public not to approach the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous. The search continues with thousands of officers involved, including those from neighboring states. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects.
Location and Response
The attack took place along Ahornsteig, a wooded path within Tiergarten park. The event had attracted hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators, with floats and performances celebrating LGBTQ+ rights.
European leaders swiftly condemned the attack. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the Pride event's significance as a symbol of freedom and equality. Leaders from the Netherlands, Italy, and the United Kingdom expressed solidarity with Germany and sympathy for the victims.
