Berlin Pride van attack: Second suspect freed, Polish woman named as victim
German federal prosecutors released a second suspect detained after the July 25 van attack at Berlin's Pride celebrations, as authorities confirmed the victim was a 65-year-old Polish woman.
The attack
Around 10 p.m. Saturday, a white van was driven into a crowd at Christopher Street Day celebrations in Tiergarten park near Brandenburg Gate. One person was killed and at least 29 others were injured. The annual event is one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride parades in Germany.
Attacker killed in 24-hour manhunt
The driver, 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese descent Abdul Rahman Toufik Balout, had a known record of Islamist extremist activity and was described as a supporter of Islamic State. A manhunt lasting nearly 24 hours led police to a rented garden colony in Spandau, a northwestern district of Berlin, around 6 p.m. Sunday. According to police, he charged at officers with a bladed weapon, forcing the SEK special operations unit to open fire; he died at the scene despite immediate resuscitation efforts. No manifesto or social media post claiming the attack has been found, and no group has claimed responsibility. The case is classified as terrorism or a politically motivated violent crime of national significance. The timeline of the attack and the manhunt is as follows.
- Van driven into crowd at Tiergarten park, one killed, at least 29 injured.
- Attacker found in Spandau, charges at police with bladed weapon, shot dead.
- Second suspect released; federal prosecutor says investigation continues.
Polish woman, 65, identified as victim
The Polish embassy confirmed that the fatality was a 65-year-old Polish national who had traveled to Berlin with her daughter to attend the pride parade. It is not known whether the daughter is among the injured. In a social media post, a Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman wrote of "disappointment and sadness" at the news. The embassy is in contact with German authorities and will provide consular assistance to the family. The spokesman added:
We express our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.
Second suspect released as suspicion not confirmed
A second individual detained in connection with the attack was freed on Monday, the federal prosecutor's office said. Sources told Der Spiegel that the original suspicion, that the person was a passenger in the van at the time of the attack, could not be substantiated. The office stated it is pursuing a wide-ranging investigation and declined further comment. A spokesperson said:
We are continuing a broad investigation.
Upcoming pride parades review security
Multiple German cities, including Hamburg and Bonn, intend to proceed with their scheduled CSD marches on August 1. Hamburg's senate said it was re-examining security plans "to ensure the highest possible level of safety." Following the attack, a solidarity gathering was held outside the Brandenburg Gate, drawing people to support the LGBTQ+ community.
