Abdul B. had been under surveillance by police and was previously convicted of preparing a terrorist act, receiving a sentence of one year and ten months in May 2026. Despite being classified as a potential threat since November 2025, he was released under conditions that included participation in a deradicalization program, which was still under review at the time of the attack. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has since taken over the investigation, which includes evidence linking him to the rental vehicle used in the assault.