German interior minister calls deadly Berlin Pride assault ‘Islamist terrorist attack’

Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt on Sunday described the assault on Berlin's Christopher Street Day parade as an “Islamist terrorist attack.” Speaking at the scene in Tiergarten park, Dobrindt told reporters that all evidence points to an Islamist terrorist attack. He said the suspect, Abdul Ballout, is on the run and that a massive manhunt is underway across the capital, train stations, airports, and borders.

On Saturday evening, Ballout allegedly drove a van into a crowd on a path through Tiergarten near the main Pride venue, then attacked people with a bladed weapon, believed to be a machete, seriously injuring several. Dobrindt confirmed one woman was killed and 29 people injured, some critically. The minister noted that the suspect had previously come to authorities' attention for multiple criminal offenses, radicalization, and ties to the Islamist scene. According to reports from WELT, Ballout had been classified as a security threat and sentenced under Section 89a of the German Criminal Code for preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state. He was also ordered to attend counseling as part of a de-radicalization program.

The manhunt continues, with police searching train stations across Berlin, including Anhalter Bahnhof near the attack site. A police spokeswoman said they are looking for at least one suspect. Dobrindt warned that such horrific attacks could inspire copycats, though the risk is low, and urged federal states to strengthen security for similar events. Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack, and several European leaders expressed condolences. On Sunday afternoon, hundreds gathered near the Brandenburg Gate to commemorate the victims, with a memorial service scheduled later involving Merz.