Vienna shooting: Deadly Terror Attack in Austria kills 3, around 15 severely injured

Nov 3, 2020, 16:04 IST

Unknown number of gunmen carrying long firearms opened fire at six locations close to the main synagogue in the heart of the Austrian capital, Vienna.

Vienna shooting
Vienna shooting

Vienna shooting: Gunmen armed with rifles opened fire in six different locations in central Vienna, capital city of Austria on November 2, 2020 killing three people and wounding several more. The deadly shooting took place just a night before the national lockdown was supposed to be enforced. One attacker was killed by the police.

As per the authorities, at least one gunman was still at large. All the people in Vienna have been urged to stay in-doors till the all-clear signal is given. 

Austria’s interior minister, Karl Nehammer, described the attacker as an “Islamist terrorist” and said that he believes there was more than one attacker and that investigations were continuing. He warned that the assailants were heavily armed and dangerous.

What happened?

An unknown number of shooters carrying long firearms opened fire at six locations close to Seitenstettengasse, the main synagogue in the heart of the Austrian capital.

 One attacker was shot by police outside St Rupert’s Church. He was carrying an assault rifle, handguns and ammunition. His body was found with an explosives vest but the vest turned out to be a dummy. The attacker's apartment was opened and searched by a SWAT team. 

Three people were killed in the attack including two men and one woman and 15 were severely injured including a police officer. The assault is considered to have an Islamist motive, as per the police.

The police are currently searching through more than 20,000 videos given to authorities by the public to determine how many assailants were involved and the exact course of events.

Attack comes a night before National Lockdown

The deadly terror attack happened just hours before Austria imposed new national restrictions to contain rising cases of COVID-19. Hence, many people were out enjoying bars and restaurants before they get closed down till the end of November. 

European leaders strongly condemn deadly shooting

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted saying "We, the French, share the shock and the grief of the Austrian people struck this evening by an attack in the heart of their capital, Vienna." He added saying that after France, it is a friendly country that has been attacked. France experienced two serious terror attacks in recent weeks, including the gruesome knife stabbing of three people in Nice and the beheading of a schoolteacher outside Paris. 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted saying that he was "deeply shocked by the terrible attacks in Vienna". He further expressed solidarity with the people of Austria against terror. 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel responded to the news that the known attacker was an Islamic State sympathiser, saying Islamist Terrorism is a “common enemy.” 

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, tweeted saying that Europe strongly condemns this cowardly act that violates life and our human values.  

US President Donald Trump expresses solidarity with Austria, France

US President Donald Trump tweeted saying that his prayers are with the people of Vienna after yet another vile act of terrorism in Europe. He called for an end to these evil attacks against innocent people. He further stated that the United States stands with Austria, France and all of Europe in the fight against terrorists, including radical Islamic terrorists.

India stands with Austria: PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted saying that he was deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna. He stated that India stands with Austria during this tragic time and that his thoughts are with the victims and their families.

Austrian Embassy in New Delhi to remain closed till November 11

As a precautionary measure, the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi will remain closed to the public till November 11, 2020.

Sangeeta Nair is a news professional with 6+ years of experience in news, education, lifestyle, research and videos. She has a bachelors in History and Master in Mass Communication. At jagranjosh.com, she writes on Current Affairs. She can be reached at sangeeta.nair@jagrannewmedia.com.
... Read More
Get here latest daily, weekly and monthly Current Affairs and GK in English and Hindi for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence and exams. Download Jagran Josh Current Affairs App.

Take Weekly Tests on app for exam prep and compete with others. Download Current Affairs and GK app

AndroidIOS

Trending

Latest Education News