Overview

• Shadi S., a 43-year-old Syrian national, fatally stabbed personal trainer Steve H. in a Berlin U-Bahn on April 12, 2025, before being shot by police during his attempted escape.
• Authorities confirmed that Shadi S. had a history of violent offenses, including a 2022 stabbing of his sister, and was under probation for multiple convictions at the time of the attack.
• Despite a pending warrant and probation violations, Shadi S. remained free due to failures in judicial enforcement, raising concerns about systemic lapses in handling repeat offenders.
• Officials stated there is no evidence suggesting an Islamist-terrorist motive, emphasizing the attack stemmed from a personal altercation between the two men, who did not know each other beforehand.
• The victim, a 29-year-old father and personal trainer, was described by loved ones as a kind and loyal individual with plans to celebrate his upcoming birthday with his family in Thailand.