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At least one civilian has been killed, and 15 people injured, in a terrorist attack in central Vienna that began shortly after 8pm local time on Monday. The attacks began with volleys of gunfire, and authorities said several attackers remained at large several hours later. The injury and death tolls are expected to rise.
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At least one attacker has been confirmed dead.
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The assaults, by an unknown number of shooters carrying long firearms, occurred at six locations close to Seitenstettengasse in the heart of the Austrian capital.
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The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, described the assaults as a terror attack and has called the military onto the streets of Vienna. “We are currently going through difficult times in our republic. I would like to thank all the emergency services who risk their lives, especially today for our safety. Our police will take decisive action against the perpetrators of this hideous terrorist attack,” Kurz said.
Sebastian Kurz
(@sebastiankurz)
Wir erleben gerade schwere Stunden in unserer Republik. Ich möchte allen Einsatzkräften danken, die insbesondere heute für unsere Sicherheit ihr Leben riskieren. Unsere Polizei wird entschlossen gegen die Täter dieses widerwärtigen Terroranschlags vorgehen.
November 2, 2020
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The interior minister, Karl Nehammer, said several attackers were still at large at midnight, and warned they were “heavily armed and dangerous”. “We have brought several special forces units together that are now searching for the presumed terrorists. I am therefore not limiting it to an area of Vienna because these are mobile perpetrators,” Nehammer told broadcaster ORF, urging the public to stay indoors until the all-clear was given.
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Police and security authorities have asked people not to share videos and images on social media of the attacks. Authorities have said is hampering attempts to neutralise the offenders.
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Police have told residents to keep away from the centre of Vienna.
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Early reports suggested the nearby Stadttempel synagogue could have been the target of the attack. But Oskar Deutsch, president of Vienna’s Jewish community, said the synagogue on Seitenstettengasse was closed at the time of the attack. He told the Kurier newspaper it was “unclear” if it was a target.
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The attack occurred on the last night before a new coronavirus lockdown was due to come into force in the city.
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EU and other world leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Austrian people.
Boris Johnson
(@BorisJohnson)
I am deeply shocked by the terrible attacks in Vienna tonight. The UK’s thoughts are with the people of Austria — we stand united with you against terror.
November 2, 2020
Mark Rutte
(@MinPres)
A terrible attack near a synagogue in Vienna. I have just conveyed full solidarity from the Netherlands to @sebastiankurz. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and with the Austrian government in dealing with this heinous act.
November 2, 2020
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