INTERNATIONAL
Vienna Attack: What is the latest?
Police officers stand guard on a street after exchanges of gunfire in Vienna, Austria November 3, 2020. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
Multiple gunmen opened fire in central Vienna on Monday evening. Five people have died, including one attacker. Fifteen people were seriously injured.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz says it was a “repulsive terror attack” and the police are still searching for at least one attacker who is at large.
The capital remains on high alert following the incident.
This is what we know so far:
- The attack began around 8pm in six different locations across central Vienna. The location of the initial shooting is close to a major synagogue.
- Police confirmed on Tuesday that three civilians - two men and a woman - were killed in the attacks while 15 others were wounded, including a police officer. Austrian state broadcaster ORF later said a fourth civilian, a woman, had died.
- One gunman has been shot dead by the police. A massive search operation has been launched for other attackers, with at least 1,000 police officers deployed across the city.
- The attackers are well equipped with automatic weapons and professionally prepared.
- Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer, in an early morning televised press conference, said one of the attackers, who was shot dead, was wearing an explosives belt that turned out to be fake. Authorities have identified the attacker as an Islamic State sympathiser. "We experienced an attack yesterday evening by at least one Islamist terrorist, a situation that we have not had to live through in Austria for decades," Nehammer said.
- The attack occurred on the last night before Austria imposed new national restrictions to try to stem rising cases of coronavirus. Many people were out enjoying their last few hours of freedom.
- Vienna Police said they are using "all forces available" to keep the public safe.
- Authorities have asked people to stay away from the centre of Vienna, including school and asked people not to share videos and images on social media of the attacks.
- World leaders have expressed their solidarity with Austria and condemned the attack.
"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."
- Sebastian Kurz via Twitter
Police blocks a street near Schwedenplatz square after a shooting in Vienna, Austria November 2, 2020. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
Police officers check a person on a street after exchanges of gunfire in Vienna, Austria November 2, 2020. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
Half empty glasses and cups are seen in a cafe after exchanges of gunfire in Vienna, Austria November 3, 2020. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
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