Berlin Pride Attack Suspect Killed After Confrontation With Police

German police have shot dead the main suspect in the deadly car-ramming attack on a Pride march in Berlin, bringing a 24-hour manhunt to an end.

The suspect, identified as Abdul Ballout, a German citizen of Lebanese descent, was fatally shot on Sunday after allegedly confronting police officers with a bladed weapon in the Spandau district of northwestern Berlin.

According to Berlin police, officers located Ballout at around 6 p.m. local time in an allotment garden complex. Police said he charged at officers while armed with a knife, prompting them to open fire.

Despite immediate efforts by emergency responders to revive him, Ballout died at the scene.

The shooting followed Saturday evening’s attack in central Berlin, where a van ploughed into crowds attending the city’s Pride march in the Tiergarten area.

Authorities said the incident left one person dead and 29 others injured, several of whom were taken to hospital for treatment.

In a statement posted on social media, Berlin police said:

German authorities have described the incident as a suspected “Islamist terror attack,” saying preliminary investigations point in that direction. Investigators are continuing to examine the suspect’s background, possible motives, and whether he acted alone.

Security has been heightened across parts of Berlin as forensic teams continue their investigation and authorities assess any potential wider security risks.