Vienna: At least three individuals were killed, including a gunman, and 14 others wounded in shootings in the Austrian capital of Vienna, only hours before a national lockdown was to come into force against the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said on Tuesday.
As per the Vienna police, the shootings occurred in six different areas at around 8 p.m. on Monday, close to the Seitenstettengasse synagogue, when a suspect, equipped with an automatic rifle, a handgun, and a machete, started shooting at people outside bars and restaurants which have now been shut until the end of this current month according to the new lockdown guidelines, the BBC revealed.
Individuals from the special forces showed up at the scene in a matter of seconds and managed to shoot the perpetrator.
It was not instantly clear how many attackers were involved in the shooting, yet the Interior Ministry said that the police were looking for at least one suspect, who is absconding.
As indicated by local media reports, one individual has been arrested.
In a statement, Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig confirmed that while one of the victims passed away on the spot, the other surrendered to her injuries in a hospital later.
Out of the 14 injured, which includes a cop, six were in critical condition, he included.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz declared that one shooter was killed in the “repulsive terror attack”, however, did not give out any other details.
The BBC cited Kurz as saying on Twitter, “We are experiencing difficult hours in our republic.” He included that army would take over the security of major buildings in Vienna.
He stated, “Our police will act decisively against the perpetrators of this hideous terrorist attack. We will never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism.”
The incident has been heavily condemned by European heads, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who said that Europe must not give up in the face of attacks.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “deeply shocked by the terrible attack”, continuing that the nation’s “thoughts are with the people of Austria – we stand united with you against terror”.
While European Council President Charles Michel called the attack a cowardly act that violated life and human values, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated it was a heinous act.
Czech police announced they were carrying out random checks on the border with Austria.
