At least 3 dead in suspected terror attack near
Vienna synagogue
Officials say there could be at least one person still
on the run.
BY EMMA
ANDERSON
November 2,
2020 10:41 pm
https://www.politico.eu/article/shots-near-vienna-synagogue-in-suspected-terror-attack/
At least
three victims were killed and 15 others injured in a series of shootings that
started near the Stadttempel synagogue in central Vienna on Monday night, which
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz described as a “despicable terrorist attack.”
The
shooting began at about 8 p.m. local time at six different locations by
multiple gunmen armed with rifles, according to local authorities. Police shot
and killed one of the suspects, whom authorities later described as an Islamic
terrorist, equipped with a fake explosive belt.
Officials
believe there could be at least one person still on the run, Interior Minister
Karl Nehammer said in a press conference early Tuesday morning, urging people
to stay at home as much as possible as police investigations continue. Schools
will remain open, though Nehammer said children will not be obliged to attend.
Nehammer
said the attack was an “assault” on Austria’s values and “an utterly inept
attempt to weaken or divide our democratic society,” but added: “We will not
let this happen.”
Investigators
have searched the home of the dead suspect, whom Nehammer described as a
sympathizer of the Islamic State terrorist group.
At a prior
press conference Monday, Nehammer described it as the “most difficult day
Austria has had in many years.” The director general for public security, Franz
Ruf, also said Austria would step up its border controls.
“We are
currently experiencing difficult hours in our republic,” Chancellor Kurz said
on Twitter. “Our police will pursue the perpetrators of this despicable terror
attack with all determination.”
“I am happy
that our police have already managed to neutralize one of the perpetrators. We
will never be intimidated by terrorism and will resolutely fight these attacks
with all measures.”
Earlier,
Nehammer said in an interview with public broadcaster ORF that several heavily
armed perpetrators were still active in the city center.
“We
continue to be in the midst of a fight against suspected terrorists,” Nehammer
said, adding: “We are assuming several perpetrators, heavily armed and
dangerous.”
Kurz also
said the government had decided to hand over protection efforts to the army so
“the police can concentrate on the fight against terrorism.”
Mayor
Michael Ludwig said seven of those in hospital were seriously injured.
The head of
the Jewish Community of Vienna, Oskar Deutsch, said it was unclear if the
synagogue was the target as the temple and its offices were closed at the time
of the shooting. Nevertheless, he added that all community members were advised
to remain indoors until getting the all-clear from authorities. Deutsch said
all synagogues, Jewish schools and community institutions, kosher restaurants
and supermarkets will be closed Tuesday as a precaution.
Viennese police
on Twitter warned locals to stay away from public places and public transport.
Monday is the last night before Austria’s nationwide coronavirus lockdown
begins, and some had therefore decided to go out to restaurants, bars and other
venues, with the area where the shootings were carried out known for its
nightlife. Many people are now trapped inside venues in the city center.
Police
warned people not to spread rumors online or share videos of the events on
social media as it could endanger their ongoing operation.
“We are all
deeply affected by the suspected terrorist attack in central Vienna,” Austrian
President Alexander Van der Bellen tweeted. He added: “We will defend our
freedom and democracy together and resolutely by all means necessary. I am in
contact with the federal government and say thank you on behalf of the Republic
for the statements of support from international heads of state and
government.”
French
President Emmanuel Macron, whose country is still reeling after recent deadly
attacks at a church and against a teacher, tweeted in German that “We, French
people, share in the shock and sorrow of Austrians after an attack in Vienna.
After France, another friendly country has been attacked. This is our Europe.
Our enemies must know who they are dealing with. We will not give up.”
European
Council President Charles Michel tweeted support for Kurz and said, “Europe
strongly condemns this cowardly act that violates life and our human values. My
thoughts are with the victims and the people of #Vienna in the wake of
tonight’s horrific attack.”
European
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also voiced support for Austria,
tweeting: “I am shocked and saddened by the brutal attack that took place in
Vienna. My thoughts are with the families of the victims and the Austrian
people. Europe stands in full solidarity with Austria. We are stronger than
hatred and terror.”
EU foreign
policy chief Josep Borrell described the attack on Twitter as a “cowardly act
of violence and hate.”
In the
U.S., both incumbent President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden
commented on the attacks.
“Our
prayers are with the people of Vienna after yet another vile act of terrorism
in Europe. These evil attacks against innocent people must stop. The U.S.
stands with Austria, France, and all of Europe in the fight against terrorists,
including radical Islamic terrorists,” Trump tweeted.
“After
tonight’s horrific terrorist attack in Vienna, Austria, Jill and I are keeping
the victims and their families in our prayers,” Biden said, referring to his
wife. “We must all stand united against hate and violence.”
Kalina
Oroschakoff and Cornelius Hirsch contributed reporting.
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