German Chancellor Merz Vows Firm Response After 'Vile' Berlin Car-Ramming Attack

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has described the incident in which a car ploughed into a crowd in central Berlin as a vile Islamist terror act and stressed the government would deliver a firm response to the perpetrator. “This is a tragic event and at the same time a deeply vile act,” Merz told reporters in Berlin. Merz also expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, calling the incident an “Islamist terrorist attack.” He stressed the German government would make every effort to swiftly apprehend the perpetrator and take measured but firm steps following the incident. Merz also stated the government was prepared to act harshly against extremist groups. “These criminals and extremists have no place in our society. We will not allow the poison of terrorism and the poison that threatens freedom to continue spreading in society. Regardless of political differences, we will defend the freedom of our society,” he said. The ramming incident occurred on Saturday evening (26/7) near Tiergarten Park in Berlin, during a well-attended event. A white minivan drove into the crowd, then crashed into a tree before the driver fled. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said one person was killed and 29 others were injured in the attack. Dobrindt had earlier said law enforcement authorities classified the ramming incident as an Islamist-motivated terrorist act. Meanwhile, German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig announced that the investigation would be transferred from the Berlin Police to the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office. German media RBB reported the main suspect is Abdul Ballout, a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese descent, who was previously suspected of attempting to join the ISIS group.