German authorities have confirmed the death of Abdul Ballout, the suspect behind the violent attack at a Berlin Pride event on Saturday night. Ballout was fatally shot by police during a confrontation at a garden complex in Spandau, western Berlin.
According to Berlin police, the suspect was found around 18:00 local time and reportedly charged at emergency responders wielding a stabbing weapon. Officers from the Special Operations Command (SEK) responded with gunfire. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by the fire department, Ballout died on the scene.
Details of the Attack
- Ballout allegedly drove a van into a crowd before stabbing multiple individuals.
- The attack resulted in one woman’s death and at least 29 people injured.
- The incident occurred in the Spandau borough, in western Berlin.
Suspect’s Background
- Ballout had a history of Islamist extremism and legal troubles.
- In mid-2024, he posted banned Islamic State propaganda on social media.
- He attempted to join ISIS in Syria, traveling through Turkey to Lebanon in May 2025.
- Arrested and imprisoned in Lebanon, he returned to Germany in November 2025 and was sentenced in May 2026 for preparing a serious violent act.
- Authorities searched his residence in early July 2026, finding only a toy gun.
This latest attack has intensified concerns over domestic terrorism linked to Islamist extremism in Germany.
