Closing summary
We are shutting down this blog now, following a terrifying night in Vienna and a nationwide search for suspected attackers that continued into Tuesday. You can read our full report here and see the main developments below:
- Five people died during an attack in Austria’s capital on Monday night, two male and two female civilians, and one gunman who was killed by police.
- The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, said the victims were an older man, an older woman, a young passerby and a waitress. He described an injured police officer who tried to stop the attacker as brave.
- The army has been deployed in the capital to back up law enforcement, as a widespread search took place on Tuesday.
- Authorities described the attacker as a 20-year-old “Islamist terrorist” with North Macedonian and Austrian citizenship.
- Fourteen people, including at least one police officer, were injured by gun and knife attacks, which began at 8pm. Seven are in a critical condition.
- The assaults occurred at six locations close to Seitenstettengasse in the heart of the Austrian capital.
- Police said they were not certain how many attackers were on the streets and several people have been arrested.
- Authorities had earlier said at least one gunman was on the run. The interior minister, Karl Nehammer, said the assailant was “heavily armed and dangerous” and urged the public to stay indoors until the all-clear was given.
-
Schools will be closed in Vienna on Tuesday and the country has declared three days of mourning.
- World leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Austrian people.
Updated
We will be closing this blog soon. Before we do, here is a post from my colleague, Kate Connolly, who reports on theatre staff attempting to distract people trapped inside as the attack unfolded:
Thousands of theatre and opera-goers caught up in last night’s attack in Vienna spent hours stuck in auditoriums and foyers as police ordered a shut down during their hunt for the attackers.
Across the city’s cultural landscape, for which Vienna is famous, people who had been out enjoying the last performances ahead of a coronavirus lockdown, which started at midnight, reported being entertained by musicians who tried to divert their attention from the attack taking place outside.
Many visitors to the Staatsoper, the Burgtheater, the Konzerthaus and other theatres and museums across Vienna, were not allowed to leave until given clear instructions by the police, and were obliged to leave the city centre.
In the Konzerthaus, the percussionist Martin Grubinger played several encores in an attempt to prolong a performance in order to keep the unwitting concertgoers in their seats, Austrian TV reported. They were subsequently informed of the attacks and kept in the concert building, where they were provided with food and drink, until midnight.
Parents whose children had been singing in the chorus at the Staatsoper were allowed to pick them up under police protection.
Musicians of both the Staatsoper and the Konzerthaus orchestras kept stranded concertgoers entertained with impromptu performances, which were well documented on social media.
Martin Kusej, the director of the Burgtheater, the equivalent of Austria’s national theatre, informed the public of the events at the end of a performance of Die Himmelszelt, or Heaven’s Tent, by the British playwright Lucy Kirkwood. Kusej said he had been “in total shock” before concentrating his efforts on attempting to keep 600 theatregoers calm. The time they had to wait was spent in part in a moderated conversation between the actors and the audience.
Updated
Pope Francis has said he is praying for the victims of Monday night’s attack.
I express my sorrow and dismay for the terrorist attack in #Vienna, and I pray for the victims and their families. Enough violence! Let us together strengthen peace and fraternity. Only love can silence hate.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 3, 2020
French police say a man in Paris who brandished a machete while walking through streets in the central Pere Lachaise area has been arrested in his hotel room.
Witnesses reported the man to police, a spokesman said.
There is no suggestion of a link to the Vienna attack, or even that the man planned to use the knife violently. However, authorities are on alert following a string of attacks in France.
A few more details have emerged about the Vienna attacker. He is being referred to in Austrian media as Kujtim F, a dual citizen of Macedonia and Austria. The 20-year-old was arrested trying to cross the Turkish border into Syria, aiming to join the militant group Isis and was sentenced to 22 months in prison in April 2019.
Under the rules governing youth sentences in Austria, he was released from prison early, in December 2019.
According to the Austrian interior minister, Karl Nehammer, the attacker posted a picture on his Instagram account before the attack, showing him brandishing what looks like the two weapons he used.
Updated
Our defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh, reports Britain will be on the lookout for potential copycat attacks in the UK:
Intelligence agencies in the UK are expected to be “particularly vigilant” in the aftermath of the Vienna attack, which comes on the heels of a string of violent incidents in France and two days before a lockdown is due to begin in England.
It is well-established that terror attacks in one country encourage copy cats elsewhere, although the overall number of jihadist plots in the European Union (including the UK) has been gradually declining as Isis was gradually rolled up in Syria and Iraq.
There were 21 such plots last year, down from 24 according to data collected by European policing agency Europol, 14 of which were foiled and four of which failed.
Intelligence sources added it was unclear, at this stage, if the attacks in Austria were timed to coincide with the last night before the start of a lockdown, when more people than usual would have been out in the evening and on the streets.
But it would be prudent to take into account that timing in the run-up to the start of the England-wide lockdown expected to begin at just after midnight, in the small hours of Thursday.
Updated
Witnesses to the attack in Vienna on Monday night have spoken to Austrian media about their experience of the dramatic events.
“I heard shots, but I have never heard anything like that. So in my naivety, I thought it was fireworks,” one man told the tabloid Kurier. “Someone said to me, that must be gunshots. My girlfriend said to me to run into the pub and go right to the back,” he said.
One 53-year-old man told APA, the Austrian press agency, how he had been taken aback by the shooting during a business dinner in a pub on the Hoher Markt. “We heard the shots and then were told: ‘turn off the lights, lock the doors’,” he said. All the guests lay on the floor. “The fear amongst the guests was just crazy,” he added.
A large group of police looked after the people in the restaurant, he said, and brought in passersby from the street to safety. “After 10pm, the situation calmed down a bit.
“The police were called off, and the area was said to have been secured.” People in the restaurant were asked to leave the restaurant and to get away from the city centre, he said.
Updated
Vienna attacks: what we know so far
- Five people died during an attack in Vienna on Monday night, including two male civilians and two female, and one gunman who was killed by police.
- Authorities described the attacker as a 20-year-old “Islamist terrorist” with North Macedonian and Austrian citizenship.
- Fourteen people – including at least one police officer – were injured by gunfire and stabbing attacks, which broke out at 8pm. Seven victims were reported by medics to be in critical condition.
- The assaults occurred at six locations close to Seitenstettengasse in the heart of the Austrian capital.
- Police said they were not certain how many attackers were on the streets and several people have been arrested.
- The army has been deployed in the capital to back up law enforcement, as a widespread search continued on Tuesday.
- Earlier, authorities had said at least one gunman remained on the run. The interior minister, Karl Nehammer, had warned that the assailant was “heavily armed and dangerous” and urged the public to stay indoors until the all-clear was given.
-
Schools will be closed in Vienna on Tuesday and the country has declared three days of mourning.
- World leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Austrian people.
Updated
The Austrian president, Alexander Van der Bellen, has also just given a speech, in which he described Monday as a “dark night” following a “cowardly terrorist attack on the heart of our society”.
The nation’s deepest sympathy went out to all those who were fighting for their lives, and “our tears are flowing” for the victims and their relatives, he said.
The attack had targeted “life in a liberal democracy, which terrorists clearly hate deeply”. He said Austrians would “protect and defend our values” and added: “Hatred can never be as strong as our fellowship in freedom, in democracy, in tolerance and love.”
He concluded his short speech with: “Long live our common and peaceful Europe.”
Updated
Here is more on the chancellor’s speech, from my colleague, Kate Connolly:
He said that the “Republic of Austria and its people have been the target of a brutal terror attack” in which “four citizens have been cold-bloodedly murdered”.
Fourteen other people were injured, some of them seriously, he added.
“It was an attack on our free society,” he said. “But we will defend our values.”
Kurz stressed that all of those behind the attack would be pursued. He added: “The enemy, the Islamist terror, wants to split our society. But we will give no space to this hatred. Our enemies are not the members of a religious community, these are terrorists. This is not a fight between Christians and Muslims, or Austrians and migrants, but a fight between civilisation and barbarity.”
He thanked the security services as well as the medical personnel and others “who through their civil courage have saved lives”.
Updated
The Israelitische Kultusgemeinde (IKG) in Austria, the organisation representing the Jewish community, has said it has closed all its synagogues and related institutes across the country, following Monday night’s attacks in Vienna.
The decision affects synagogues, as well as kosher restaurants, Jewish supermarkets, schools and cultural centres, said Erich Nuler, spokesman for the IKG’s crisis committee, according to the Austrian daily Der Standard.
Security has been stepped up at Jewish establishments across the country, he said and community members were being urged to stay at home. Nuler said it remained unclear whether or not the attack in which two people were shot in front of the city’s main synagogue on Vienna’s Seitenstettengasse was aimed at the Jewish community.
The IKG was in close contact with security authorities, he said. Nuler added that the IKG’s psycho-social counselling centre was being inundated with requests for help from community members. He said that much effort was being made to explain to children in particular what had happened on Monday evening.
Updated
First details are emerging about the attacker who was shot dead by police. He was 20 years old and had north Macedonian roots, according to the interior minister, Karl Nehammer. He was a citizen of both Macedonia and Austria and had a criminal record related to terrorist activity.
Nehammer said the man had been armed with an automatic rifle, a handgun, and a machete. He was also wearing a fake explosives belt.
The minister added that 15 house raids had taken place across Vienna and St Pölten, about an hour from the Austrian capital. Several people had been arrested.
Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz addresses country
Kurz has just begun addressing the Austrian nation, saying the victims were an older man, an older woman, a young passerby and a waitress. He described an injured police officer who tried to stop the attacker as “brave”.
Updated
Theatre- and opera-goers have described their shock as they became aware of the nearby attack while they watched the last cultural offerings ahead of a nationwide coronavirus shutdown on Tuesday.
Visitors to the Staatsoper and the Burgtheater, the equivalent of Austria’s national theatre, were first made aware of the incident after the venues’ directors took to the respective stages to urge them to stay in their seats.
Witnesses at the Staatsoper reported that its director, Bogdan Roscic, explained to them in front of the closed stage curtain what had happened, and told the audience that security forces had instructed they were not allowed to leave the building.
One thousand people were reportedly present in the sold-out venue, as well as dozens of opera house employees. Audience members were only allowed to leave at 11.45pm, nearly four hours after the attack had begun. They were escorted by police to public transport facilities and urged to head straight home.
“We were shaken, we did not know what was awaiting us. Many people were upset and exhausted,” one opera fan said.
Updated
Have you been affected by the shooting?
If you would like to share eyewitness accounts or news tips directly with our journalists then please get in contact via our form. You can also get in touch via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.
Updated
Seven people who were injured in last night’s attack remain in a “critical, life-threatening” condition, Dr Michael Binder, medical director of the Viennese health association, KAV, has told the Austrian radio programme Ö1 Journal.
“Seven people are seriously injured and we’re dealing with bullet as well as stab wounds,” he said. He said not all the relatives of those who were injured have yet been informed.
A spokeswoman for the health association said that in total 17 people were injured in the attack and they are being treated at several hospitals in the Austrian capital.
She also confirmed that they were dealing primarily with gunshot wounds, but also with stab wounds. Ten people had medium to light injuries, she said.
“The patients are in a state of shock,” she said, adding that the 28-year-old police officer who is among the injured is in a critical but stable state. No other information has been released so far about the identity of the injured.
Updated
Austria declares three days of mourning
The Austrian state has declared three days of mourning starting today, following the attack. A minute’s silence will take place at midday local time today to remember the victims and flags on official buildings will fly at half-mast.
Austrian government confirms five people dead, including suspect
The Austrian government has now confirmed reports that five people have died, including a suspected attacker who was shot dead by police.
Interior minister Karl Nehammer said the civilians, two men and two women, died from their injuries.
Seventeen others were wounded in the shooting.
Updated
Austrian public broadcaster says fourth person has died
The national broadcaster, ORF, has reported a fourth civilian, a woman, has died.
That would bring the death toll to two male civilians and two female. One attacker, a man, was also killed.
The Austria Press Agency (APA) says seven others are in a life-threatening condition.
The City of Vienna has shared numbers to call for those feeling “overwhelmed”.
Falls ihr mit der aktuellen Situation überfordert seid oder reden wollt, zögert nicht, euch Hilfe zu holen: pic.twitter.com/wUSRq9Odow
— Stadt Wien (@Stadt_Wien) November 3, 2020
Two of Austria’s neighbours, Germany and the Czech Republic, have stepped up border checks in case any suspected attackers attempt to flee the country.
Police officers were carrying out random checks on vehicles and passengers, Czech police said.
It is worth a reminder here that we still do not have confirmation from Austrian authorities on the exact number of attackers. One suspect is dead and the interior minister said overnight that at least one “heavily armed and dangerous” person was believed to still be at large.
Updated
Viennese asked to remain at home on Tuesday morning
Austria’s interior minister has repeated his request that people remain at home if they can, as police search for possible additional attackers.
“Please avoid the city centre,” Karl Nehammer tweeted on Tuesday morning. Schools are also closed, he added, asking parents to look after their children at home.
The deceased attacker has been described by Austria’s interior minister as an Islamic State sympathiser.
On Monday, an Islamic State-affiliated group of militants in Afghanistan killed at least 22 people during an assault on a Kabul University book fair, taking hostages and fighting gun battles with security forces for more than five hours.
Today has been declared a national day of mourning for Afghanistan.
Here is our full story on that horrific attack:
Updated
Hello. Oliver here, taking over the live blog.
It is after 8am in Vienna, roughly 12 hours since the attack began, and police are still searching for possible accomplices. I will be keeping you updated on all the latest news.
Updated
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. Thank you sincerely to those of you who reached out to the Guardian during the night despite all that was going on.
I’ll leave you with comments from a reader named Lea: “Greetings from Vienna, an indestructible city. We will rise stronger than ever,” she wrote in an email. “There is a reason why everyone is saying “Wien ist anders [Vienna is different, a common slogan in the city]”.
My colleague Oliver Holmes will be with you from now on.
You can read the story on how the night unfolded here:
Several people arrested by police overnight
Austrian state broadcaster ORF reports that several people have been arrested and that seven police officers “made use of their service weapons on Monday evening in the course of the terrorist attack”.
Also, here is more detail from that press conference earlier:
The perpetrator was “neutralized” at 8:09pm, said Vienna’s police chief Gerhard Pürstl at the joint press conference with Nehammer in the morning. According to the general director for public security, Franz Ruf, the perpetrator’s apartment was forcibly opened with explosives and searched.
The interior minister did not answer the question of whether a detonation perceived by witnesses during the night in Simmering could have been this opening of the apartment. There was also no information on whether other people were found at his home address during the house search or whether other people were reported there.
Updated
German chancellor Angela Merkel has responded to the news that the known attacker was an Islamic State sympathiser, saying Islamist terrorism is a “common enemy”, Reuters reports.
Updated
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has called the attack “dastardly”, and says he is “deeply shocked and saddened”:
Deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna. India stands with Austria during this tragic time. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 3, 2020
Updated
Here is our story on the Islamic State sympathiser who led a terrorist shooting attack on Vienna on Monday night, killing at least three people.
Austrian police are searching for accomplices who might still be at large.
A series of shooting in Vienna’s city centre left two women and one man dead. One attacker was killed by police. Twelve hours after the assault, it is unclear if the man acted alone, or how many other terrorists were involved.
Fifteen people – including at least one police officer – were seriously injured in exchanges of gunfire, which broke out at 8pm. Seven victims were reported to be in critical condition.
Police were trawling through more than 20,000 videos given to authorities by members of the public to determine how many assailants were involved and the exact course of events.
Initially, police said the shootings took place in six locations in Vienna’s 1st district near the Danube Canal, and warned of a group of “heavily armed and dangerous” gunmen. But by Tuesday morning police were not certain how many attackers were involved.
“At the moment we think there’s more, we’re investigating,” Vienna police chief Gerhard Pürstl said.
“It’s difficult to say for sure if it was one or several attackers. Lots of witnesses are injured, traumatised, and we have to analyse the data.
“This will take some time … at this stage there is no definite answer.”
Border checks have been increased to neighbouring countries:
Vienna attacks: What We Know So Far
- Four people died in the Vienna attacks on Monday night, including one attacker. Two male civilians and one female were also killed. Fifteen people were seriously injured.
- Austria’s interior minister, Karl Nehammer, described the attacker as an “Islamist terrorist” and said he believes there was more than one attacker and investigations were continuing.
- Authorities were unable to confirm whether the attack was antisemitic, but said that the attack was definitely carried out by a “radicalised person”. Earlier in the press conference, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said, “we have experienced an attack from an Islamist terrorist.”
- Earlier, authorities said at least one gunman remained on the run at 1am Vienna time. He warned the assailants were “heavily armed and dangerous” and urged the public to stay indoors until the all-clear was given.
-
15 people were injured and taken to hospital after the attack that began
shortly after 8pm local time on Monday. One of the injured is thought to be a policeman. Seven of the injured were in a serious condition, Vienna’s mayor Michael Ludwig, said. - The attacks began with volleys of gunfire and the injury and death tolls are expected to rise.
- One attacker was shot by police outside St Rupert’s Church. He was carrying an assault rifle, handguns and ammunition. His body was also found with an explosives vest. Later police said on Twitter that the explosives vest was fake.
- 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.
- The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, described the assaults as a “definitely” terror attack that had been “very professionally” planned.
- Police have searched the home of the attacker. They asked people not to share videos and images on social media of the attacks, but said 20,000 videos were given to them.
- Police have told residents to keep away from the centre of Vienna.
- The attack occurred on the last night before a new coronavirus lockdown was due to come into force in the city.
- Schools will be closed in Vienna on Tuesday.
- EU, US and other world leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Austrian people.
Vienna Police: What we know so far
The Vienna Police Department has tweeted the information they can confirm so far. It is the following:
- 3 deceased persons (2 male, 1 female) [It is unclear whether he attacker is included in this total, as earlier reports listed three civilians as dead]
- 15 severely injured persons, among them is an officer of the Vienna PD
- The assault was carried out by at least one suspect who was shot and killed by officers
- The suspect was armed with an assault rifle, among other handguns
- The suspect was appearing to wear an explosive vest [earlier reports listed this as a ‘belt’] which turned out to be a dummy
- The suspect’s apartment has been opened by SWAT and searched
- The sighting and evaluation of the numerous footage is happening at the moment
The Vienna Police have just tweeted the following information about what is known so far. They list three people as having died but it is unclear whether the attacker is included among the toll. We will bring you more as soon as we know.
As of 06:30 am, this is what we can confirm towards the assault in Vienna's inner city district: #0211w pic.twitter.com/AIzIovFyKh
— POLIZEI WIEN (@LPDWien) November 3, 2020
Updated
Explosive belt worn by attacker was fake
The Vienna police have confirmed that the explosive belt worn by the attacker, who they described as an Islamic State sympathiser, was fake.
Updated
Austrian Interior Minister: attacker was Islamic State sympathiser
In that press conference which ended a moment ago Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said that the known attacker was an Islamic State sympathiser.
He was armed with an explosive belt which tuned out to be fake and carried a bag of ammunition. He was killed by police.
Nehammer also repeated calls for the public to stay at home on Tuesday.
Updated
Summary: Vienna Police press conference
- Death toll climbs to four. Vienna’s police chief, Franz Ruf, confirmed that a third civilian had died in the attacks, bringing the toll to two men and one woman. One attacker, a man, has also been killed.
- Authorities were unable to confirm whether the attack was antisemitic, but said that the attack was definitely carried out by a “radicalised person”. Earlier in the press conference, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said, “we have experienced an attack from an Islamist terrorist.”
- There was at least one known attacker. He was killed by police. but authorities suspect there were more. The attacker wore an explosive belt and carried a bag of ammunition.
- The home of the known attacker has been searched. Authorities were unable to reveal what was discovered.
- The police have been sent more than 20,000 videos and are searching the content.
- Nehammer said, “Austria is a democracy, shaped by free speech, tolerance in living together,” and that “The attack yesterday is an attack of these values and an inadequate attempt to divide us. We will not stand for this. There will be consequences.”
Florian Klenk, the editor of Austrian news magazine Falter has tweeted that, “Nehammer did everything right in the [press conference]. Emphasize the unity of the country, fundamental rights and democratic principles. No escalation, but calm, empathic words that make it clear to the terrorists that Vienna cannot be divided. Hopefully this rhetoric stays the same.”
Nehammer hat in der PK alles richtig gemacht. Einheit des Landes, Grundrechte und demokratische Grundsätze betonen. Keine Eskalation, sondern ruhige, empathische Worte, die den Terroristen klar machen, dass sich Wien nicht spalten lässt. Hoffentlch bleibts bei dieser Rethorik.
— Florian Klenk (@florianklenk) November 3, 2020
Updated
Many thanks to my colleague Svetlana Stankovic (Guardian Australia’s deputy opinion editor) for translating that press conference in record time. I’ll have a summary up shortly.
Updated
Death toll climbs to four in Vienna attacks
Vienna’s police force has confirmed that three civilians and one attacker have died.
Two of the civilians were male and one was female. The attacker was male. This means the death toll has risen by one since we were last updated.
Updated
Ruf and Nehammer are asked whether the attack was definitely antisemitic.
“It is clear that it is a radicalised person, further we can’t say anything as we’re still investigating,” they respond.
Ruf and Nehammer are unable to confirm what was found at the home of the attacker or how hold he was, they say.
At least one attacker identified, more believed to be involved
The authorities at the press conference are asked whether it is possible there was just one attacker. “At the moment we think there are more, we’re investigating,” Ruf responds.
Another person – I’m afraid I didn’t catch who – adds later, “It’s difficult to say for sure if it was one or several attackers. Lots of witnesses are injured, traumatised. We have to analyse data, have to ask for your understanding that this will take some time. At this stage there is no definite answer.”
Updated
Ruf confirms that further police personnel will be supplied to Vienna from other parts of the country.
Ruf adds, “This has showed how important routine police work is. It made sure that the attacker was found quickly. There was a minimal time of chaos and all public areaes could be coordinated.”
“We have started professional investigations we’ll focus on making sure people in Vienna will feel secure again. Thank you to police and all partners who have worked with us in this difficult hours.”
Updated
Home of attacker searched: security director
Vienna’s Director General for Public Security Franz Ruf is speaking now. He says, “We have worked intensely on identifying the attacker.”
“The home of the violent attacker was searched. 20,000 video were uploaded and given to us, and we have already searched 20% of this content.” (a note that we didn’t quite catch that percentage figure, but we thing it was 20%).
Updated
Nehammer: “Terror and violence definitely have no place in our society. We won’t let our freedom be taken away from us.”
Nehammer has confirmed that the attacker who was killed was “heavily armed with an explosive belt, and were his sympathisers”.
Updated
“We have increased checks in public areas.”
“The police have done an outstanding job,” he says. “Even those who were on holidays – a big thank you to them and to other countries for their assistance.”
Updated
“There are investigations currently that I can’t reveal at the moment,” says Nehammer.
“For people in Vienna: if possible, stay home. There’s no school today, so if you can leave your child at home today, you can do so.”
Updated
“Austria is a democracy, shaped by free speech, tolerance in living together,” says Nehammer.
“The attack yesterday is an attack of these values and an inadequate attempt to divide us. We will not stand for this. There will be consequences,” he says.
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer is speaking now:
“My thoughts in these difficult hours are with the victims and the relatives. We think of the dead and injured, including one officer on duty,” he says.
“We have experienced an attack from an Islamist terrorist.”
Updated
Vienna Police press conference begins
You can watch the update from the Vienna Police at the link below – we will bring you the key points in English.
In Kürze: Pressekonferenz mit BM Nehammer, LPP Pürstl und Generaldirektor für die öffentliche Sicherheit Ruf:#0211w https://t.co/ujlIXTreIA
— POLIZEI WIEN (@LPDWien) November 3, 2020
As we wait for the police press conference to begin – it is scheduled to start in 5 minutes, here is how some foreigners currently living in Vienna experienced the attacks.
Louis Glen is from the UK but has recently moved to Vienna to study. He wrote earlier:
A really frightening atmosphere in the city tonight, even now at 3am I can hear helicopters and sirens over the city. Thankfully I’m safe and well, my flatmates only returning home in the last hour after being locked in the city centre [...] It’s a great shame to see such a beautiful and peaceful place shattered by these acts”
Comhall Fanning is Irish, and this is his second year living in Vienna. He works as an English Language Assistant:
I think I’m mainly feeling a profound sense of shock tonight. There is no one that I’m sleeping. The shooting happened around [3km]] from my apartment. I have always seen Vienna as an incredibly safe city. I would never have imagined anything like this happening here.
Updated
Here is our full report on how the attacks unfolded last night:
Ben Doherty and Helen Sullivan:
Monday night in Vienna was supposed to be a last chance at freedom.
The weather was mild, and as the hours ticked down before a nationwide coronavirus curfew largely shut down the city for a month, the bars and restaurants of the “Bermuda triangle” – a network of narrow, fashionable lanes in the old city’s 1st district – were busy.
Diners and drinkers sat at tables outside, enjoying a last moment of revelry before another pandemic lockdown amid the full blast of winter.
Without warning, at 8pm on Seitenstettengasse street, a winding cobbled boulevard a block back from the Danube Canal, the shooting started:
Trump: 'These evil attacks against innocent people must stop'
US president Donald Trump has tweeted about the attack, calling it “evil” and a “vile act of terrorism.”
“The US stands with Austria, France, and all of Europe in the fight against terrorists, including radical Islamic terrorists,” Trump wrote
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.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2020
A reminder that you can get in touch with me directly via email on helen.sullivan@theguardian.com or Twitter @helenrsullivan.
A sincere thank you to those who have written to us already. We hope to have more updates from people who are currently in Vienna as the city wakes up. It is currently nearly 5.30 am. The police are due to hold a press conference at 6am.
I am reporting on the Vienna terrorist attacks live @guardian. Follow the latest below.
— Helen Sullivan (@helenrsullivan) November 3, 2020
If you are in Vienna and would like to speak to me, my DMs are open and my email address is in the blog. https://t.co/SB83m25W2V
What we know so far
- Three people have died in the Vienna attacks on Monday night, including two civilians and one attacker.
-
At least one gunman remained on the run at 1am Vienna time, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said. He warned the assailants were “heavily armed and dangerous” and urged the public to stay indoors until the all-clear was given.
- 15 people were injured and taken to hospital after the attack that began shortly after 8pm local time on Monday. One of the injured is thought to be a policeman. Seven of the injured were in a serious condition, Vienna’s mayor Michael Ludwig, said.
- The attacks began with volleys of gunfire and the injury and death tolls are expected to rise.
- The dead attacker is believed to have been shot outside St Rupert’s Church. Some early reports suggested he wearing an explosive belt, but police have not confirmed this.
- 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.
- The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, described the assaults as “definitely” being a terror attack. He added that it had been “very professionally” planned. Kurz has called the military onto the streets of Vienna.
- 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.
- Police have told residents to keep away from the centre of Vienna.
- 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.
- The attack occurred on the last night before a new coronavirus lockdown was due to come into force in the city.
- Schools will be closed in Vienna on Tuesday.
- EU and other world leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Austrian people.
Updated
As far as we understand, there is still one attacker currently being looked for by police.
“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,” Interior Minister Karl Nehammer told national broadcaster ORF late on Monday.
Kurz said the army would protect sites in the capital so the police could focus on anti-terror operations. Speaking to ORF, he said the attackers “were very well equipped with automatic weapons” and had “prepared professionally”.
Nehammer is due to hold a news conference on the situation at 6am lockal time (5am GMT) on Tuesday – just over an hour from now.
White House National Security Adviser: 'There is no justification for hatred and violence like this'.
White House National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien has commented on the attacks, saying in a statement posted to the National Security Council’s Twitter account, “There is no justification for hatred and violence like this.”
“The U.S. is praying for the people of Vienna. There is no justification for hatred and violence like this. We stand with Austria, France, and all of Europe in the fight against terrorism.”-NSA Robert C. O’Brien
— NSC (@WHNSC) November 3, 2020
Gruber said that when they emerged from the cafe, they saw police on the street corners pointing their weapons. Once the crowd had arrived at Schwedenplatz, the police asked them to raise their hands and to show they were not carrying weapons.
“That is the first time police ever aimed at me with their guns,” he said. They were told to take the subway, and Gruber and his friends travelled to another friend’s house where they stayed for a few hours before travelling home by cab. When we spoke, it was 4.30 in the morning an he was at home in the 16th district of Vienna. He had locked a gate that was almost never closed, he said.
“I think that this is an experience that almost nobody who lives here has ever had before,” he said. “I’ve been to several countries and have heard and watched about these attacks [in those countries],” he said.
“But I’ve never been close to one. It was really frightening.”
Updated
I have just spoken on the phone to Gernot Gruber, a 24-year-old business student in Vienna. When the attacks began, Gruber was walking to the Hard Rock cafe in Vienna’s city centre, 100m from one of the attacks.
He had his headphones in, he said and when he took them out to greet the friend he was meeting for dinner, he heard several loud bangs.
“If you hear these noises in Austria you don’t think they’re gunshots, you really don’t,” he said. He thought they might be fireworks set off by people celebrating before the lockdown began. But when he and his friend entered the Hard Rock cafe, they heard an American saying he thought the sound was gunshots.
He and his friend followed the man downstairs as upstairs the restaurant staff locked the doors and told people to get away from the windows. A few minutes later, special forces police entered the building and told everyone to leave and run towards Schwedenplatz, away from the attack which was happening 100m away.
The exclamation mark on the map below shows where the attack occurred.
Updated
Biden: We must all stand united against hate and violence
Joe Biden has tweeted his condolences saying that he and his wife Jill “are keeping the victims and their families in our prayers. We must all stand united against hate and violence.”
After tonight's horrific terrorist attack in Vienna, Austria, Jill and I are keeping the victims and their families in our prayers. We must all stand united against hate and violence.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 3, 2020
Updated
Here is our video report about the attack tonight in Vienna:
At 3.30am in Vienna, there are still helicopters circling overhead, readers have told me. Because it was the last night before Vienna’s lockdown came into effect, many people were taking the opportunity to go out for one last time.
While some who were in the city have finally made it home, others are spending the night in the places they were at when the attacks began. I have heard from the friends of lawyers sleeping at their offices, from attendees at a barre class that ended shortly after 8pm who are sleeping in the studio and from Markus Husa, who was at a restaurant nearby.
He says that he started to receive text messages at 9pm and that “at that time the first people were leaving the restaurant we were at, unaware of the situation.” His group informed the restaurant staff, who locked the doors and told people to stay inside.
“As I understand now, one site of shootings was a mere 100 meters from our location. It was difficult to get home as public transport didn’t stop anywhere near the first district, it was impossible to get a taxi and the city was to be avoided. Fortunately, a friend picked us up by car,” he says.
He says that friends of his were held in cinemas and theatres and have just arrived home.
We didn’t experience any first hand threat nor police in particular. Friends of mine were held for considerable stretches of time at theatres and cinemas, venues were evacuated by police, many of us just got home in past hour or so.
Updated
The Vienna Police have announced that its “investigations regarding the assault will go on highest level” and that all available resources will be used to maintain public security in the city.
We'll keep up public safety with all forces available. Meanwhile our investigations regarding the assault will go on highest level. We'll keep you posted on confirmed news here on Twitter. #0211w
— POLIZEI WIEN (@LPDWien) November 3, 2020
Here is the message in German for our Austrian readers:
Wir werden mit allen zur Verfügung stehenden Kräften die öffentliche Sicherheit in Wien aufrechterhalten. Gleichzeitig arbeiten wir mit Hochdruck an der Aufklärung d. heutigen Anschlages. Gesicherte Infos werden wir auch weiterhin hier veröffentlichen. #0211w
— POLIZEI WIEN (@LPDWien) November 3, 2020
Here is more from Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister, who told London’s LBC radio he was living in the compound of the central Vienna synagogue.
“Upon hearing shots, we looked down (from) the windows and saw the gunmen shooting at the guests of the various bars and pubs,” he said.
“The gunmen were running around and shooting at least 100 rounds or even more in front of our building,” he said.
A reminder that you can get in touch with me directly via email on helen.sullivan@theguardian.com or Twitter @helenrsullivan.
A sincere thank you to those who have written to us already. We hope to have more updates from people who are currently in Vienna throughout the night.
I am reporting on the Vienna terrorist attacks live @guardian. Follow the latest below.
— Helen Sullivan (@helenrsullivan) November 3, 2020
If you are in Vienna and would like to speak to me, my DMs are open and my email address is in the blog. https://t.co/SB83m25W2V
Vienna Mayor: 15 hospitalised, seven with serious injuries
Vienna Mayor Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig says that 15 people have been hospitalised, seven with serious injuries. As far as we understand, two civilians have died in the attacks.
In case you are just joining us: Police said that several shots were fired shortly after 8pm on Monday. (1900 GMT) on a lively street in the city centre in Vienna, and that there were six shooting locations. Unverified footage posted on social media showed gunmen walking through the streets, apparently shooting at people at random, wounding several people.
The attack occurred on the last night before a new coronavirus lockdown was due to come into force in the city.
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer told public broadcaster ORF that the army had been asked to guard key locations in the city to allow police to pursue the gunmen.
Kurz praised police for killing one of the attackers and vowed: “We will not never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism and will fight these attacks with all means.”
Updated
The terror attacks in Vienna have been widely condemned by international leaders. Here is what some of them have had to say:
In recent years, Austria has been spared the sort of large-scale attacks seen in Paris, Berlin and London.
In August, authorities arrested a 31-year-old Syrian refugee suspected of trying to attack a Jewish community leader in the country’s second city Graz, Reuters reports. The leader was unhurt.
We have some more information from Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig about the second victim.
Ludwig told the broadcaster ORF that a woman wounded in an attack in central Vienna on Monday night has died of her injuries.
Her death brings the civilian toll to two. It is understood that at least one attacker has also died.
Updated
A reader named Lea R has written to us from Vienna’s second district, Leopoldstadt.
“I’m living in Karmeliterviertel, one of the largest Jewish communities (I myself am not Jewish). I am 22 and normally I’m every evening at Schwedenplatz/ Bermudadreieck and Donaukanal, being in one of the many Bars there ,” she writes.
“The Situation right now is really scary, my phone is ringing all the time because everyone is so worried. It’s heartbreaking to see my beloved hometown [like this].”
She says that the law firm where she works has told employees to work from home tomorrow. Her ex-boyfriend works for WEGA, the police special forces (Wiener Einsatzgruppe Alarmabteilung) and, she says, “Currently I am worrying a lot about his well-being, as he is actively looking for the terrorists.”
A friend of hers is spending the night sleeping in her office. There is the “constant noise” of helicopters overhead, says Lea.
She signs off:
Greetings from Vienna, an undestructable city. We will rise stronger than ever! There is no place here for terrorism, neither left, right or from a religious point of view. There is a reason why everyone is saying “Wien ist anders [Vienna is different, a common slogan in the city]”.
Updated
Second civilian has died
The Mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig, has announced that a second civilian has died in the attacks tonight, Reuters reports.
The head of the United Nations, António Guterres, has voiced expressed the UN’s “solidarity with the people & government of Austria.”
I’m following with grave concern the violent attacks of terror in Vienna, one of our UN HQ.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) November 3, 2020
I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms and reaffirm the @UN's solidarity with the people & Government of Austria. https://t.co/WQfbKhsMg6
In a statement posted online his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, wrote:
The Secretary-General is following with utmost concern the still evolving situation in Vienna’s city centre where violent attacks in several places have been reported today, with at least one bystander killed and several others wounded, including members of the security forces. He extends his deep condolences to the family of the victim and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns these attacks and reaffirms the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and the Government of Austria.
The Vienna police have again urged people to stay at home, confirming that the incident is “still active” in a post retweeted from two hours ago.
Still active: Stay at home! If you're on the Streets, take shelter! Keep away from public places, don't use public Transportation! #0211w
— POLIZEI WIEN (@LPDWien) November 2, 2020
The Guardian understands that “several” people have died in the attacks tonight – this is what was said in the police press conference a short while ago by the interior minister, Karl Nehammer.
Authorities have not yet confirmed an exact number, but they have confirmed that among the casualties are one civilian and one attacker.
Updated
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sent his condolences, calling the attack “horrific and heartbreaking.”
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible this act of terrorism,” he wrote on Twitter.
Today’s shooting in Vienna is horrific and heartbreaking. We condemn in the strongest terms possible this act of terrorism. Our thoughts are with the people of Austria and everyone affected by this deplorable act.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2020
If you are following along from Vienna and would like to speak to me, you can send me an email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com or message me on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
I am reporting on the Vienna terrorist attacks live @guardian. Follow the latest below.
— Helen Sullivan (@helenrsullivan) November 3, 2020
If you are in Vienna and would like to speak to me, my DMs are open and my email address is in the blog. https://t.co/SB83m25W2V
The City of Vienna has tweeted confirming that children do not need to attend school tomorrow, after it was announced in the police press conference a short while ago.
“Due to the current situation, there will be no compulsory education in Vienna tomorrow. Children can therefore stay at home, excused. For all those for whom this is not possible, the schools are of course open. Stay safe and above all healthy!” the Tweet reads.
Aufgrund der aktuellen Situation gibt es morgen in Wien keine Schulpflicht. Kinder können daher entschuldigt zu Hause bleiben. Für all jene, bei denen das nicht möglich ist, sind selbstverständlich die Schulen geöffnet. Bleibt sicher und vor allem auch gesund!
— Stadt Wien (@Stadt_Wien) November 3, 2020
Updated
Explosive belt worn by attacker being defused
The explosive belt we mentioned earlier – reported to have been worn by an attacker who has since been shot – is currently being defused by the demining service, the Austrian broadcaster ORF reports:
According to the information provided by the crisis team to the ORF, the suspected perpetrator shot was wearing an explosives belt. This is currently being defused by the demining service. He is also said to have carried a lot of ammunition with him.
Updated
At that press conference, Austria’s interior minister, Karl Nehammer, called Monday the “hardest day for Austria several years,” the BBC reports.
Updated
Initial reports had suggested that the nearby Stadttempel synagogue could have been the target of the attack.
But Oskar Deutsch, president of the Jewish Community Vienna, said the synagogue on Seitenstettengasse and the office building at the same address were already closed at the time of the attack, and it was “unclear” if it was one of the targets of the attack.
Deutsch told the Kurier newspaper that no members of Vienna’s Jewish community were among those injured in the attack.
Citing an interview with a rabbi living directly above the synagogue, Kurier reported an attacker had taken random shots at people sitting outside cafes and bars on Judengasse and Seitenstettengasse in central Vienna. “He did not aim at the Stadttempel [synagogue],” the witness said.
The synagogue was the target of a terror attack almost four decades ago. On 29 August 1981, two members of the Palestinian group Fatah – The Revolutionary Council, also known as ANO – tried to storm the synagogue building but were stopped by security forces. Two people were killed and 21 others injured in the attack:
Updated
There will be another press conference at 6am tomorrow, the police have said. That press conference has now ended.
Vienna Police Press conference: at least one attacker still on the run
Austrian interior minister Karl Nehammer has said that “several” people have died in the attack.
He has also said:
• At least one attacker still on the run
• Children not required to go to school on Tuesday
• He has repeated the appeal to the public to avoid central Vienna
Updated
That press conference has started. We will bring you updates in English shortly.
You can watch it live here.
Attack definitely a terror attack, says Austrian Chancellor
Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Monday night that the attack in the heart of Vienna was “definitely” a terror attack that had been “very professionally” planned.
Citing government sources, broadcaster ORF reported that the gunman shot by police outside St Rupert’s Church was carrying an explosive belt and a bag filled with a large amount of ammunition.
Several special forces units have been brought together to search for “mobile perpetrators” who are still believed to be at large.
Oskar Deutsch, the president of the Jewish Community Vienna said on Twitter that all synagogues, Jewish schools, kosher restaurants and supermarkets would remain closed on Tuesday.
Updated
We will be bringing you that police conference live as it happens.
The Vienna police will be delivering an address shortly via their facebook page, they have announced on Twitter.
“On our Facebook page there will soon be a live stream of press statements from BM Nehammer, LPP Pürstl and General Director f. d. Public security,” they said.
Auf unserer Facebookseite gibt es in Kürze einen Livestream zu Pressestatements von BM Nehammer, LPP Pürstl und Generaldirektor f. d. öff. Sicherheit Ruf: https://t.co/We5ll6soJB
— POLIZEI WIEN (@LPDWien) November 3, 2020
Gunman carrying explosive belt and bag filled with ammunition shot outside St Ruper's church – report
The Guardian’s Philip Oltermann reports that, according to ORF, a gunman has been shot outside St Ruper’s Church. He is reported to have been carrying or wearing an explosive belt and a bag containing ammunition.
Vienna latest. Several "mobile perpetrators" believed to still be at large. Citing government sources, broadcaster ORF reports the gunman shot outside St Ruper’s Church was carrying an explosive belt and a bag filled with a large amount of ammunition.
— Philip Oltermann (@philipoltermann) November 2, 2020
Summary
Hi, Helen Sullivan joining you now. As we bring you the latest, please know that you can contact me with news tips, questions or comments at any point on Twitter @helenrsullivan and via email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.
Here is what we know so far about this evening’s events:
- 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.
- At least one attacker has been confirmed dead.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Police have told residents to keep away from the centre of Vienna.
- 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.
- The attack occurred on the last night before a new coronavirus lockdown was due to come into force in the city.
- EU and other world leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Austrian people.
Updated
That’s where I will leave you for today, but Helen Sullivan is here to take you through the rest of the unfolding news.
My colleague Ben Doherty has put together this wrap of everything we know so far:
The AFP news agency has put together this wrap up of EU’s leader’s reactions to the attacks in Vienna, as they vow to stand by Austria.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron said: “We French share the shock and sorrow of the Austrian people following the attack in Vienna.
“After France, it is a friendly nation that has been attacked. This is our Europe. Our enemies must know who they’re dealing with. We will concede nothing,” he tweeted in both French and German.
Germany
Germany’s foreign ministry vowed not to “give in to hate that is supposed to divide our societies.
“Even if we can’t yet foresee the extent of the terror, our thoughts are with the wounded and the victims in these difficult hours,” the ministry wrote on Twitter, calling the news from neighbouring Austria “horrifying and disturbing”.
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said there was “no room for hatred and violence in our common European home,” while his foreign minister Luigi Di Maio tweeted that “Europe must react”.
EU
EU Council chief Charles Michel said that “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. We stand with Austria”.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that she was “shocked and saddened”, saying her “thoughts are with the families of the victims and the Austrian people.”
The president of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, said he felt “sadness and horror” and the EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell called it “a cowardly act of violence and hate.”
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, which neighbours Austria, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said he was “horrified by the attack... and I want to express my solidarity to all people in Austria and my friend Sebastian Kurz”.
Greece
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted that he was “Shocked by the horrific attacks in Vienna” and had offered Kurz Athens’ “full solidarity”.
“Our thoughts are with the people in Vienna and the authorities dealing with the situation. Our hearts, with the victims and their loved ones,” Mitsotakis added
Updated
15 injured in Vienna attack
Vienna City Hospital chief has spoken to Austrian broadcaster ORF.
He says 15 people have been injured in the attack, either hurt in the shooting or while fighting. This has not been confirmed by police at this point.
This is consistent with a previous statement from Vienna mayor Michael Ludwig, who told ORF that 15 people were being treated in Vienna hospitals and that seven were in a serious condition.
Updated
Chris Zhao, a student in Vienna, was in a restaurant when the attack took place.
He told the BBC he heard between 20 and 30 bangs that sounded like firecrackers just after 8 pm.
The manager locked the door to the restaurant at first, but when he left Zhao says he saw several people injured and one body
“We didn’t know what was going on,” he said.
“We were in shock.”
Czechs launch border checks after Vienna attack
Czech police said they had started random checks on the country’s border with Austria following Monday’s attack near a Vienna synagogue that had left at least two dead and several injured.
“Police are carrying out random checks of vehicles and passengers on border crossings with Austria as a preventive measure in relation to the terror attack in Vienna,” Czech police tweeted.
This comes after the Austrian interior minister confirmed law enforcement was expanding their search for mobile attackers outside of Vienna.
Czech Interior Minister Jan Hamacek said in a tweet Czech police were also in touch with Austrian colleagues following the “dreadful news from Vienna”.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis tweeted his condolences over the attack near the Stadttempel synagogue.
“I am horrified by the attack on the Vienna synagogue and I want to express my solidarity to all people in Austria and my friend (Austrian Chancellor) Sebastian Kurz,” Babis tweeted.
Updated
EU leaders have also expressed solidarity with the Austrian people
Europe strongly condemns this cowardly act that violates life and our human values.
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) November 2, 2020
My thoughts are with the victims and the people of #Vienna in the wake of tonight’s horrific attack.
We stand with Austria @sebastiankurz
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.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 2, 2020
Europe stands in full solidarity with Austria. We are stronger than hatred and terror.
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.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 2, 2020
Police hunt for attackers not limited to Vienna
Here is an update from Reuters, recapping the Interior minister’s comments to ORF:
Several suspected perpetrators of what the Austrian government is calling a terror attack in Vienna are on the loose and a manhunt is underway, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said on Monday, calling the attackers “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 is given
Graphic and unconfirmed, videos are being shared around social media, showing people shot and bleeding near the outside tables of local restaurants.
Vienna police have urgently and repeatedly asked that no video or photographs be shared on social media.
The interior minister suggested some attackers may still be mobile, therefore providing any information on social media about there whereabouts of police locations could be dangerous.
If you have footage of any kind of the shooting incident in the inner city of Vienna – please upload it on this link – DON’T share it on social media! This way you can support us! https://t.co/FQ2he2MMPs #0211w
— POLIZEI WIEN (@LPDWien) November 2, 2020
Earlier reports had suggested that the nearby Stadttempel synagogue could have been the target of the attack.
But Oskar Deutsch, president of the Jewish Community Vienna, said the synagogue on Seitenstettengasse and the office building at the same address were already closed at the time of the attack, and it was “unclear” if it was one of the targets of the attack.
Deutsch told the Kurier newspaper that no members of Vienna’s Jewish community were among those injured in the attack.
Citing an interview with a rabbi living directly above the Stadttempel synagogue, newspaper Kurier reported an attacker had taken random shots at people sitting outside cafes and bars on Judengasse and Seitenstettengasse in central Vienna. “He did not aim at the Stadttempel [synagogue]”, the witness said.
The Stadttempel synagogue was the target of a terror attack almost four decades ago. On 29 August 1981 two members of the Palestinian group Fatah – The Revolutionary Council, also known as ANO, tried to storm the synagogue building but were stoppedat the gatesby security forces. Two people were killed and 21 others injured in the attack.
Updated
Some attackers still mobile says Interior Minister
Austria’s minister for the interior Karl Nehammer spoke on ORF TV a short time ago.
He confirmed that police are still in the process of fighting the presumed terrorists. He said they are still looking for the potential perpetrators and some attackers may still be mobile.
Video and pictures are circulating online of a number of men, shirtless with their arms up in the air, being approached by heavily armed police. It’s unknown if these men are directly involved in the attack. The number of attackers, or how many groups are involved is also unknown.
Updated
Austrian Chancellor says shooting was a terrorist attack
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has labelled the Vienna shooting a “hideous terrorist attack”.
He says that armed forces will be taking over some police operations to allow police to focus on their anti-terror efforts.
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.
— Sebastian Kurz (@sebastiankurz) November 2, 2020
Roughly translated he says:
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.
I am glad that our police officers have already been able to eliminate a perpetrator. We will never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism and will fight these attacks resolutely by all means.
So that the police can concentrate fully on the fight against terrorism, the federal government has decided that the armed forces will take over the property protection previously carried out by the police in Vienna with immediate effect.
The whole country is in thoughts with the victims, injured and their families, to whom I express my deepest condolences.
We thank the leaders of the European Union and our international partners for their sympathy and the expressions of solidarity.
At least one civilian and one attacker have been confirmed dead in Vienna says Harald Soro, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry.
Updated
A Rabbi has described what he the attack to The Associated Press.
Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister said he saw at least one person fire shots at people sitting outside bars in the street below his window. His account of the shooting remains unconfirmed by Vienna Police.
“They were shooting at least 100 rounds just outside our building,” Hofmeister said.
“All these bars have tables outside. This evening is the last evening before the lockdown,” he added.
“As of midnight, all bars and restaurants will be closed in Austria for the next month and a lot of people probably wanted to use that evening to be able to go out.”
Updated
Online a large wave of anti-immigrant sentiment has already begun to emerge, in the wake of the attack.
Currently, no information on the identity of any attackers has been released, and their nationality and the motivation for the attack is currently unknown.
French President Emmanuel Macron has tweeted his solidarity with Austria.
France has also been the victim of several attacks in recent weeks, although the Austrian shooters’ motivation is still unknown.
Wir, Franzosen, teilen den Schock und die Trauer von der Österreicher nach einer Angriff in Wien. Nach Frankreich ist es ein befreundetes Land, das angegriffen wird. Dies ist unser Europa. Unsere Feinde müssen wissen, mit wem sie es zu tun haben. Wir werden nichts nachgeben.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 2, 2020
Roughly translated he says: We, the French, share the shock and sadness of the Austrians after an attack in Vienna. It is a friendly country that is under attack. This is our Europe. Our enemies need to know who they are dealing with. We won’t give in to anything.
Here is the Guardian’s report for those who want to catch up on the news from Vienna so far.
It’s understood that the first of six locations of the attack at Seitenstettengasse, a street close the centre of the Vienna CBD.
Updated
The prime minister of the Netherlands has tweeted his support to the Austrian government.
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.
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) November 2, 2020
Updated
An unconfirmed video posted by a member of the public appears to show a number of men, standing shirtless, unarmed with their arms up.
The video was taken through the window of a nearby apartment.
Authorities have not confirmed if all attackers have been arrested or not and police have urged all people not to post photos or videos to social media.
Updated
So just unpacking that update from the Vienna police a little bit.
Authorities have confirmed that this was not a single shooting attack but spread across six different locations. It’s unclear if these were the same attackers moving to six different locations or simultaneous attacks.
The Seitenstettengasse square was the first of these locations, and the attacked consisted of multiple people armed with rifles.
One suspect has been shot and killed by police.
Several people have been injured including a police officer.
Updated
Six different shooting locations in Vienna
CONFIRMED at the moment:
— POLIZEI WIEN (@LPDWien) November 2, 2020
*08:00 pm: several shots fired, beginning at Seitenstettengasse
*several suspects armed with rifles
*six different shooting locations
* one deceaced person, several injured (1 officer included)
*1 suspect shot and killed by police officers #0211w
Unclear how many killed in terror attack
The national Austrian broadcaster, ORF says emergency services in Vienna are reporting “several dead and injured:”.
The Guardian can not confirm, but local media reports have suggested that between three and eight people have been killed. This has not been verified by authorities at this point.
The APA news agency previously reported an update from Austria’s interior ministry stating one attacker was “dead”.
Updated
While many of the initial reports suggested the attack was at the Stadttempel synagogue, the Jewish community of Vienna Oskar Deutsch, confirmed the temple and nearby offices were closed at the time.
Here is his statement on Twitter.
Ob der Stadttempel eines der Ziele war, kann derzeit nicht gesagt werden. Fest steht allerdings, dass sowohl die Synagoge in der Seitenstettengasse als auch das Bürogebäude an der selben Adresse zum Zeitpunkt der ersten Schüsse nicht mehr in Betrieb und geschlossen waren. 1/
— Oskar Deutsch (@DeutschOskar) November 2, 2020
Roughly translated he says: “It cannot be said at the moment whether Stadttempel was one of the targets. What is certain, however, is that both the synagogue in Seitenstettengasse and the office building at the same address were no longer in operation and closed at the time of the first shots.”
In any case, there was shooting in the immediate vicinity of Stadttempel. All parishioners were asked not to enter public streets and to remain in closed rooms until the all-clear from the security authorities.
Updated
Here is the initial post from the Vienna police department.
Im Bereich der #InnnerenStadt kam es zu mehreren Schusswechseln. Es gibt mehrere verletzten Personen. Wir sind mit allen möglichen Kräften im Einsatz. Bitte meiden Sie alle öffentlichen Plätze im Stadtgebiet.
— POLIZEI WIEN (@LPDWien) November 2, 2020
Rough Translation: “There were several exchanges of fire around the inner city. Several people are injured. We are on the scene with all available forces. Please avoid all public places in the city.”
Police have urged people not to share any photos or video on social media, translating the message into several languages.
If you have footage of any kind of the shooting incident in the inner city of Vienna – please upload it on this link – DON’T share it on social media! This way you can support us! https://t.co/FQ2he2MMPs #0211w
— POLIZEI WIEN (@LPDWien) November 2, 2020
Updated
Hello, and thank you for joining us.
Several people have been wounded in Vienna, after an “apparent terrorist attack” near a synagogue, with one of several attackers arrested.
Multiple gunshots were fired near Schwedenplatz in central Vienna on Monday evening, according to police, near a major synagogue.
Minister of the Interior, Karl Nehammer said several people were injured and some believed to be killed.
“At the moment I can confirm we believe this is an apparent terror attack,” he told Austrian broadcaster ORF.
Police have urged residents to keep away from all public places or public transport.
A short time ago the APA news agency reported an update from Austria’s interior ministry, stating one attacker was “dead” and another “on the run”, while one police officer was seriously injured. A second attacker has been arrested.
The president of Vienna’s Jewish community, Oskar Deutsch, said that shots had been fired “in the immediate vicinity” of the Stadttempel synagogue but added that it was currently unknown whether the synagogue itself had been the target of an attack.
He said that the synagogue and office buildings at the same address had been closed at the time of the attack.
“It sounded like firecrackers, then we realised it was shots,” said one eyewitness quoted by ORF.
Vienna police have urged people not to share video and photos via social media. “This jeopardises police forces as well as the civilian population,” they said on Twitter.
Updated
