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Abdul Ballout killed by police after allegedly driving a van into a crowd during Berlin's Pride festival

German police shot and killed Abdul Ballout, a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese descent, following a suspected Islamist terror attack in Berlin. The suspect allegedly drove a white van into a crowd in Tiergarten park during the city's Pride celebrations, killing one woman and injuring 29 people. After the collision, Abdul Ballout allegedly attacked pedestrians with a machete. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed the attack was likely an Islamist terror act, noting that the suspect had an extensive criminal record and showed signs of radicalization. Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the incident as a heinous act that aimed to divide society. While the attack occurred a few hundred meters away from the main parade, it caused the celebrations to be called off early. The incident has prompted officials to review security measures for future major events. Despite the violence, many members of the LGBTQ+ community expressed resilience, with some returning to the scene to leave flowers and celebrate the spirit of which the festival stands for.

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