Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jul 26
Police Kill Berlin Pride Attack Suspect After 24-Hour Hunt, Ending Search for 29-Injury Rampage
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jul 26

Police Kill Berlin Pride Attack Suspect After 24-Hour Hunt, Ending Search for 29-Injury Rampage

3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jul 26

Summary

  • Abdul Ballout was shot dead by police Sunday in a Berlin suburb after nearly 24 hours on the run following the attack that killed one woman and injured 29.
  • Berlin prosecutors said the 21-year-old German had tried in 2025 to reach Syria to join Islamic State, was later convicted of preparing serious violence, and had been released pending appeal.
  • Authorities say Ballout drove a white van into people in Tiergarten park near Berlin Pride's closing events, then apparently stabbed others with a machete in what officials called an Islamist terror attack.
  • The assault struck one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, drew hundreds to a memorial at Brandenburg Gate, and prompted Germany and Amsterdam to review security for upcoming Pride events.

Insights

How did a known extremist evade over 2,000 police officers to execute a deadly van and machete attack at Berlin's Pride festival?
With the 21-year-old suspect still at large, could a hidden terror cell be planning another strike in Europe?