Berlin police have launched a massive search operation after a vehicle plowed into a crowd near Christopher Street Day celebrations on Saturday night, and somehow the main suspect was already known to authorities as a potential threat. Shocking, right? Nobody saw that coming.
According to this report, the attack took place around 10 p.m. on the Ahornsteig in the Großer Tiergarten area. After ramming into people with a car, one or more attackers got out and began stabbing bystanders. One woman, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was killed in the attack, and 29 additional people sustained injuries. By Sunday afternoon, authorities said none of the wounded were in life threatening condition.
The primary suspect has been identified as 21 year old Abdul B., who police describe as roughly 1.90 meters tall with a slim frame, black hair, and was last spotted wearing a black hoodie paired with white trousers. Cops released his photo and are begging the public for tips, while also warning everyone to keep their distance because he could be armed and dangerous. They also haven't ruled out additional suspects being involved.
Now here comes the part that will really make your blood pressure spike. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt labeled it an Islamist terror attack on Sunday morning and revealed some absolutely jaw dropping background details. The suspect was born in Germany, has Lebanese heritage, and his mother became a naturalized citizen back in 2002. He had a criminal record, had already been convicted of prior offenses, and received a suspended sentence.
But wait, it gets better. After being released from juvenile detention in May, this guy was required to attend deradicalization counseling sessions. His next appointment? Literally the Monday after he allegedly carried out this attack. So the system had him on a schedule, knew he was a problem, had previously flagged him as a potential threat with ties to Islamic State networks, and the grand solution was mandatory therapy appointments. Brilliant strategy.
Dobrindt confirmed that the suspect initially used the vehicle as a weapon before switching to what authorities believe was a machete to attack more people on foot.
So let's recap the government's track record here. They identified this individual as dangerous. They convicted him of crimes. They put him in juvenile detention. They released him. They signed him up for deradicalization classes. And then he allegedly went on a rampage at a pride celebration. At what point does someone in charge look at this chain of events and think maybe the counseling sessions approach needs a little fine tuning?
Police continue searching for Abdul B. and are urging anyone with information to contact emergency services immediately rather than playing hero.
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