Ballout, who reportedly killed at least one woman and injured several others, was known to authorities for his radical Islamist views and had been monitored by state security. Despite being sentenced to a suspended prison term for preparing terrorist acts, he was released under conditions that included participation in deradicalization efforts. Reports indicate that he had attended two sessions with Violence Prevention Networks, where he allegedly provided insincere responses. Following the attack, Ballout was shot dead by police during an intervention.