German authorities criticised after Pride attack

AI Summary

German authorities are criticized for not preventing a deadly vehicle and machete attack near Berlin's Pride parade, with far-right AfD demanding tougher actions against Islamists. The attacker, Abdul Ballout, had prior convictions and attempted to join ISIS.

German authorities came in for criticism Monday for failing to prevent a deadly vehicle and machete attack on the weekend near Berlin's Pride parade, with the far-right AfD also demanding tougher action against Islamists. Politicians, security experts and a police union asked why the presumed attacker, Abdul Ballout, 21 -- who was shot dead by police on Sunday -- was walking free and not under close surveillance despite previous convictions and an attempt to join the so-called Islamic State group.