Berlin authorities have confirmed that Abdul Ballout, 21, the suspect in the recent van attack during Berlin Pride, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) just hours before the incident. The attack, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in the death of a 65-year-old Polish woman and left 29 others injured.

According to investigators, Ballout drove a van into a crowd before crashing into a tree and continuing his assault with a knife. Following the attack, he fled the scene but was tracked down by police the next evening at an allotment site. Officers fatally shot him after he reportedly charged at them with a knife.

Further details about Ballout’s background reveal a history of links to extremist activities. In 2024, he shared ISIS propaganda online, and in 2025, he attempted to travel to Syria through Lebanon. During this period, he was detained for three months in a Lebanese jail before returning to Germany in November 2025.

In May 2026, a Berlin court sentenced Ballout to 22 months in prison for preparing a serious act of violence. However, he remained free while his appeal was pending at the time of the attack. Ballout is a German-born citizen of Lebanese descent.

Authorities continue to investigate the attack as they assess the circumstances that allowed Ballout to remain at large despite his prior conviction. The incident has raised concerns about monitoring and managing individuals with known extremist affiliations within Germany.