Merkel harshly characterizes Berlin vehicle attack as Islamic terrorism, vows strong retaliation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has labeled the recent vehicle attack in central Berlin as a "despicable act of Islamic terrorism" and pledged resolute measures in response.
The attack occurred late Saturday night (July 25) near Tiergarten Park in Berlin, where a large event was taking place at the time. A driver of a white compact van drove into a crowd, then crashed into a tree before fleeing the scene. According to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, the incident has resulted in one death and at least 29 injuries.
In a statement made in Berlin, Merz said: "This is a tragic event, and also a disgraceful act." He expressed condolences and sympathy to the victims and their families, and explicitly described the incident as "an Islamic terrorist attack."
Merz subsequently promised that the German government would do everything possible to swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice and would implement careful yet firm measures following the incident. He also reaffirmed his stance on delivering a tough response to extremists.
"These criminals, these extremists have no place at the heart of our society. We will not allow terrorism’s poison—and this poison directed against our freedom—to continue spreading within our society. Regardless of political differences, we will defend the freedom of our society."
Justice Minister Stephanie Kleine-Möllinghaus stated that the investigation into the case will be transferred from Berlin police to the Federal Prosecutor's Office. Interior Minister Faeser previously revealed that German law enforcement agencies have classified this vehicle-ramming incident as a terrorist attack motivated by Islamism. According to reports by RBB Berlin-Brandenburg Broadcasting, the main suspect is a 21-year-old German national of Lebanese descent named Abdul Balout, who had previously attempted to join the extremist group ISIS (*).
*Note: ISIS (Islamic State) is designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871828903622793/
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