Police blocks a street near Schwedenplatz square after a shooting in Vienna, Austria November 2, 2020. (Reuters)Vienna terror attacks LIVE Updates: At least five people were killed – including an assailant – and 15 others were injured after multiple gunmen opened fire across central Vienna Monday, AP quoted Austria’s top security officials as saying. Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said that initial investigations indicate the suspect who was killed had links with the Islamic State.
Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the dastardly terror attacks and asserted that India stands with Austria during this tragic time. “Deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted. “India stands with Austria during this tragic time. My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he added.
The shooting began shortly after 8 pm GMT Monday near Vienna’s main synagogue a day before the start of a month-long coronavirus lockdown. Jewish community leader Oskar Deutsch said on Twitter it was not clear whether the Vienna synagogue and adjoining offices had been the target and said they were closed at the time.
French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country has experienced three Islamist attacks in recent weeks, said, “This is our Europe. Our enemies must know with whom they are dealing. We will not retreat.” US President Donald Trump tweeted, “Our prayers are with the people of Vienna after yet another vile act of terrorism in Europe.”
Multiple gunmen opened fire across central Vienna on Monday, killing five people. Hundreds of policemen and special unit forces fanned out across Vienna on Tuesday, searching for perpetrators of the attacks. (Reuters)
The gunman shot dead in the Vienna attacks on Monday served a prison term for attempting to travel to Syria and join Islamic State, the Austrian government said on Tuesday. The interior ministry in Vienna confirmed a report by APA news agency saying the man had been sentenced to 22 months in prison in April 2019.
In December 2019, he had was released early due to his young age, according to the report, which cited Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer. The 20-year-old was shot dead by police near St Ruprecht's Church in Vienna, the report said. (Reuters)
Releasing a statement in solidarity with Austria in the wake of Vienna terror attacks, Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "We are saddened to receive the news that there are dead and wounded as a result of the terrorist attack that took place in Vienna. We strongly condemn this attack, extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish speedy recovery to the wounded. As a country that has been fighting against all sorts of terrorism for decades Turkey stands in solidarity with the Austrian people."
Swedish PM Stefan Löfven: I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks in Vienna tonight, one of them close to a synagogue. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We must all stand united against attacks on our open society.
Prime Minister of the UK Boris Johnson on Vienna attacks: "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."
Showing solidarity with Austria, US President Donald Trump tweeted: "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."
Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the dastardly terror attacks and asserted that India stands with Austria during this tragic time. “Deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted. “India stands with Austria during this tragic time. My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he added.
Showing solidarity with Austria, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: "Europe is in mourning. One of our own has been hit hard by Islamist terrorism. We think of the victims, their families, the shattered lives. France stands alongside Austria, ready to lend its support."