German police shot and killed the suspected perpetrator of a deadly "Islamist terrorist attack" at Berlin's Christopher Street Day Pride celebration on Sunday evening, ending a nearly 24-hour manhunt that gripped the nation.

Abdul Ballout, a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese background, was cornered by police in the quiet suburb of Spandau after allegedly driving a minivan into a crowd of Pride celebrants and going on a stabbing rampage that left one woman dead and at least 29 others injured.

Suspect Killed After Charging Police

Berlin police said officers fired on Ballout after he rushed toward them "with a knife" in a garden allotment area in western Berlin. The suspect died at the scene.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed Sunday that authorities are treating the incident as an "Islamist terror attack." The prosecutor's office disclosed that Ballout was known to police and had previously attempted, unsuccessfully, to join the Islamic State group.

Germany Raises Threat Level

The attack has prompted German authorities to raise the country's threat level amid concerns about potential copycat attacks. Minister Dobrindt warned that such incidents cannot be "ruled out" and announced enhanced security measures across the country.

Ballout had previous convictions for assault and robbery, raising questions about how he remained free to carry out the attack. Critics have pointed to what they describe as Germany's overly lenient approach to terrorism-related offenses.

The suspect had been released just over two months before the attack, according to reports. The disclosure has added to calls from politicians and analysts for Germany to take a tougher approach to individuals flagged for terrorist connections.

Pride Event Turns to Tragedy

The attack struck during one of Germany's largest Pride celebrations. Berlin's Christopher Street Day annually draws hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

Saturday night should have been a celebration. Instead, witnesses described scenes of chaos as the minivan plowed into the crowd before the suspect emerged to attack victims with a knife.

A vigil was held at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on Sunday as mourners gathered to remember the victims and show solidarity. The Pride event's organizers urged people not to use the tragedy for political gain, but the attack has inevitably fueled debate about immigration, security, and the threat of Islamist extremism in Europe.

Police say they are not searching for additional suspects but remain vigilant. The attack marks another grim reminder that terrorism continues to threaten Europe's public gatherings and open societies.