Germany Classifies Berlin Pride Attack as Suspected Islamist Terrorism

German authorities have classified the deadly vehicle and knife attack near Berlin’s Pride festival as a suspected Islamist terrorist attack, while police continue searching for a 21-year-old man named as the main suspect.

One person was killed and 29 others were injured in the attack in Tiergarten park near the Brandenburg Gate at about 10 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Authorities said a white minivan was driven into pedestrians before an attacker used what appeared to be a machete. Several victims suffered life-threatening injuries.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt identified the suspect as Abdul Ballout, a German national with Lebanese roots. He said investigators believed Ballout had previously come to authorities’ attention through criminal offences, radicalisation and links to the Islamist scene. Police warned the public that the suspect may be armed and dangerous and urged people not to approach him.

Officers searched an apartment in Berlin’s Schöneberg district early Sunday but found no one there. The continuing operation involved helicopters and police from several German states.

The assault forced organisers to cut short the Christopher Street Day celebrations, one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride events. Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for unity and said Germany would defend its freedom, while Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner described the violence as an attack on the city’s free and cosmopolitan society.

The terrorism designation and information about the suspect mark a significant update to the initial investigation. Authorities have not announced an arrest, and key details about the planning of the attack remain under investigation.