Merz vows to do everything against terror: Nothing remains.

2026-07-27

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised a determined government response after the deadly attack on Berlin’s Christopher Street Day (CSD – Pride celebration), saying Germany must do everything possible to protect citizens from dangerous extremists.

Merz said the government would not limit its reaction to statements of sympathy and would carefully examine what political consequences should follow. He questioned how the suspected attacker, who was already known to authorities and had extremist links, was able to reach the Pride event and carry out the attack.

The suspected attacker, 21-year-old Abdul Ballout, was a German citizen with Lebanese roots and had previously been convicted of preparing a serious violent act. Authorities said he was believed to have links to the Islamist scene and had attempted to join the Islamic State group. Despite his previous conviction, he was released under supervision, creating anger and demands for answers.

Merz described the attack as an assault not only on the LGBTQ+ community but also on Germany’s values of freedom, openness, and tolerance. He said the government would investigate whether existing security measures were sufficient and whether changes were needed in how authorities monitor high-risk individuals.

The attack has triggered a wider political debate over Germany’s approach to extremism, surveillance, and criminal justice. Officials and opposition parties are calling for stronger measures, while critics are questioning why a person considered dangerous was able to remain free. The government now faces growing pressure to prevent similar attacks in the future.