BERLIN, GERMANY (THECOUNT) — Authorities have launched a large-scale manhunt for Abdul Ballout, 21, a suspected ISIS-linked attacker accused of driving a van into a crowd during a Berlin Pride event, killing one person and injuring 29 others, according to German officials and media reports.
The incident occurred in Berlin, Germany’s capital city, where thousands of people were gathered for Pride-related activities. Officials said investigators are treating the attack as potentially Islamist-motivated while continuing to examine the suspect’s background, movements and possible connections.
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German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the attack involved a vehicle being driven into a crowd, followed by an assault on individuals with what authorities described as a possible blade or machete. Officials said three of the injured victims remain in life-threatening condition.
Dobrindt said authorities cannot rule out the possibility of additional attacks and urged the public to remain alert as investigators search for the suspect.
Approximately 1,000 police officers have reportedly been involved in the search for Ballout, who is described as approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, slim, with black hair. Authorities said he was last seen wearing a black hoodie and white trousers and warned members of the public not to approach him because he may be armed and dangerous.
German media reports indicate Ballout is a German citizen who was born in Germany in 2005 and has Lebanese family background. Authorities said his mother became a naturalized German citizen in 2002.
According to reports from German outlets, Ballout had previously attempted to travel to Lebanon in an effort to join the Islamic State group. Media reports said he was arrested in Lebanon and returned to Germany because of his citizenship.
Reports also indicate Ballout had been convicted in Germany in May 2026 of preparing a serious act of subversive violence. According to published reports, he received a suspended sentence and had been ordered to participate in a de-radicalization program after spending time in pre-trial detention.
Investigators are also examining a reported tip that Ballout recently posted an image online showing himself with a weapon, according to German media reports.
Authorities have not released additional details about the identity of the person killed in the attack. Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the vehicle attack, the suspect’s alleged extremist connections and whether anyone else may have been involved.
The search remains active as German authorities work to locate Ballout and determine the full scope of the incident.
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