The main suspect in the attack on Berlin's Pride celebration last weekend has been killed during a confrontation with police, German authorities have confirmed. The 21-year-old had been the subject of a large-scale manhunt since Saturday evening's attack.
The man, identified as Abdul B., was located on Sunday evening in a garden allotment in the Spandau district of Berlin. According to a police statement, he ran towards officers with a bladed weapon, at which point they opened fire. He died at the scene despite attempts to resuscitate him.
The Attack on Berlin Pride
The manhunt began after a white van was driven at high speed into a crowd of Pride participants near Potsdamer Platz on Saturday evening. The driver then reportedly attacked bystanders with a machete. A woman was killed in the attack, and 29 others were injured. Officials have stated that none of the injured are currently in life-threatening condition.
A History of Radicalization
Abdul B. was already known to German security services. He had received a suspended prison sentence of one year and ten months in May for preparing a serious act of violence. One of the conditions of his sentence was that he attend a deradicalization program, a ruling the public prosecutor had appealed.
German media report that he had been known to authorities since he was 16 for criminal activity and links to Islamist extremist circles. He had also previously attempted to travel to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State (IS). Born in Berlin in 2005 to a family of Lebanese descent, he was a German citizen.
Police are still investigating whether Abdul B. acted alone or had accomplices. A spokesperson mentioned that several other individuals have been detained and questioned in connection with the attack. The incident has raised security concerns for upcoming Pride events across Europe, including WorldPride in Amsterdam.
