German authorities have confirmed that the suspect behind the deadly attack near Berlin’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) Pride celebrations was shot dead during a police operation on Sunday evening, ending a nationwide manhunt that lasted several days. The attack had left one woman dead and several others injured, some suffering wounds from a bladed weapon, prompting an intense search across the country.
Police identified the suspect as 21‑year‑old Abdul Ballout, a German citizen of Lebanese descent who had previously drawn the attention of security agencies over concerns related to Islamist extremism. Ballout allegedly drove a rented van into crowds near one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ Pride events before attacking victims with a weapon. The incident shocked Berlin and raised fresh concerns about extremist violence targeting public gatherings.
Authorities located Ballout at an allotment garden complex in the Spandau district around 6 pm local time. According to Berlin Police and the elite SEK tactical unit, the suspect charged at officers armed with a stabbing weapon, leaving them no choice but to open fire. Emergency responders attempted resuscitation, but Ballout died at the scene.
Officials say the shootout was the culmination of a coordinated effort involving federal and state agencies, who had warned the public that the suspect was armed and dangerous. The investigation now shifts to determining whether Ballout acted alone or had links to organised extremist networks.
The attack has reignited debate in Germany over security at major public events, radicalisation, and intelligence‑sharing between agencies. LGBTQ groups have called for stronger protections, while political leaders condemned the violence and praised police for swiftly ending the threat.