Berlin attacker was previously released on probation after trying to join ISIS

The man accused of killing one and wounding 29 others after ramming his van into an LGBT pride event was previously released from prison on probation after trying to join ISIS and planning a terrorist attack.

The 21-year-old Abdul Ballout, a German citizen of Lebanese descent with known ties to Islamist groups, was shot and killed by police after being tracked down and confronted on Sunday. Revelations from local authorities that he was not only known by police, but was released from prison on probation after being charged with “preparing a serious act of violence that could endanger the state” have triggered widespread bafflement and sparked wider debate across German society.