14-Year-Old Killed, Five Injured in Knife Attack in Southern Austria
A 14-year-old boy was killed, and five others were wounded in a knife attack in Villach, a town in southern Austria near the borders of Italy and Slovenia. The incident occurred around 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT) near the town’s main square.
Key Points:
- Suspect Detained:
- The attacker, a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker, was arrested at the scene.
- He had a temporary residence permit and was awaiting a decision on his asylum application.
- Heroic Intervention:
- A Syrian delivery worker driving by witnessed the attack and deliberately rammed the attacker with his vehicle, preventing further injuries.
- Police Investigation:
- Police confirmed only one attacker was involved, despite initial reports of a potential second suspect.
- Extremism specialists have been brought in to assist with the investigation, though a motive has not yet been established.
- Victims’ Condition:
- Two of the five injured victims were in serious condition as of Saturday evening.
- A fifth victim with minor injuries came forward after police initially reported only four wounded.
- Political Context:
- The attack has sparked debates over Austria’s asylum laws, amid an ongoing political crisis following last year’s election.
- The far-right Freedom Party, which won the election but failed to form a government, called for a “rigorous crackdown on asylum.”
- Reactions:
- Peter Kaiser, governor of Carinthia (where Villach is located), condemned the attack as an “unimaginable atrocity” but urged against “hateful” reactions.
- He called for tighter asylum policies at both national and EU levels.
The knife attack in Villach has left a community in shock and reignited debates over Austria’s asylum policies. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the challenges of balancing security concerns with humanitarian responsibilities. The heroic actions of the delivery worker highlight the importance of unity in the face of violence.
