Berlin Police Search for Suspect in Pride Festival Attack

Berlin police are actively searching for 21-year-old Abdul B, the suspect in a deadly van attack at a Pride Festival. The incident resulted in one death and injuries to 16 others when the van plowed into a crowd near the parade route. Reports of additional injuries from a machete attack are under investigation. Authorities suspect this might be a terror-related event, citing the suspect’s alleged connections to Islamic groups.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt highlighted that all signs indicate the attack was an act of Islamic terror. The suspect, Abdul Ballout, holds German citizenship and has Lebanese roots. He is considered armed and dangerous.

The attack took place in Berlin’s Tiergarten park on Saturday night when a white van collided with a group, then crashed into a tree. Following the crash, the suspect reportedly attacked people with a machete before escaping the scene.

The tragedy occurred near the annual Christopher Street Day Pride celebration. Though not on the main parade route, the attack prompted the cancellation of nearby festivities.

Minister Dobrindt shared that Ballout has prior convictions and was previously monitored by police due to his involvement with Islamic circles. Officers have conducted extensive searches across Berlin, including an apartment in Schöneberg, but have not yet apprehended the suspect.

Witnesses spoke of the fear during the attack, recalling the chaotic scene near the Pride event. In response to the incident, security measures have increased across the city, and police remain focused on locating Ballout.