In a tragic incident in Villach, Austria, a 14-year-old boy was killed, and five others were injured during a stabbing spree that authorities are treating as motivated by Islamist extremism. The 23-year-old suspect, identified as a Syrian asylum seeker with legal residency in Austria, was arrested shortly after the attack.
Police spokesperson Rainer Dionisio confirmed that the attack appeared to have ties to Islamic State, with Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stating that the attacker had radicalized online. “This was an Islamist attack with ties to ISIS,” he told reporters, expressing anger over the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
Of the five injured individuals, three were reported to be in intensive care. The victims, aged between 15 and 36, included four Austrians and one Turkish national. As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet publicly confirmed a motive but are looking into the suspect’s background.
The attack occurred just before 4 PM local time as the suspect randomly targeted passers-by with a knife. A local food delivery worker, described as “heroic,” intervened by driving toward the suspect, which helped facilitate the arrest.
A search of the suspect’s residence uncovered ISIS-related materials, including flags, while his phones were confiscated. No weapons were found at the location, and it remains unclear if the suspect acted alone, prompting police to investigate further.
Expressions of condolences poured in from leaders across Austria. Peter Kaiser, governor of Carinthia, denounced the attack, calling for severe consequences for the perpetrator. Meanwhile, far-right leader Herbert Kickl attributed the incident to a failure of the political system in managing crime and safety.
The Free Syrian Community in Austria distanced themselves from the attack, emphasizing that Syrian refugees seek safety and do not represent those who disrupt societal peace.
Dionisio noted the rarity of such an incident in the area, stating, “I have been in the [Carinthian police] press service for 20 years and cannot recall such an act.” Erwin Angerer from the Freedom Party echoed concerns over the country’s asylum policies, suggesting they contribute to escalating tensions.
Credit: Independent
