Knife attack on Yppenplatz: 24-year-old seriously injured! Perpetrator fleeting!

Knife attack on Yppenplatz: 24-year-old seriously injured! Perpetrator fleeting!

On Friday afternoon, May 23, 2025, there was a threatening incident at Yppenplatz in Vienna: a 24-year-old man was attacked with a knife. The perpetrator, who has not yet been identified, fled in an unknown direction after the attack. The injured person suffered a stab wound on the neck that, fortunately, is not life -threatening. The rescue workers who were quickly on hand after the incident alarmed.

After the first medical care by the professional rescue Vienna, the 24-year-old was taken to a hospital. Despite the severity of the injury, the current state of health is stable. The search measures after the fleeting attacker have so far been unsuccessful. The investigation was taken over by the Vienna State Criminal Police Office, West, which is now looking for the perpetrator with high pressure.

increase in knife attacks in Austria

This incident is involved in a questionable trend: the number of violent crimes with stab weapons in Austria has risen sharply for several years. According to the crime statistics of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BK), there were still 1,524 reports reported in 2013, while 2,393 incidents were already recorded in 2022. The statistics reached the highest value in 2016 with 2,530 attacks. Since then, the number fluctuates between 2,100 and 2,500.

In contrast, violence with firearms has declined: The ads have dropped from over 500-600 to under 400 in 2022 since 2017. This development has also created political response: Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) is planning a general ban on weapons in public space. Experts are already working on a legislative proposal, which could possibly prohibit the participation of certain knives in public.

reactions and discussion

The incident at Yppenplatz not only attracted the attention of the police, but also raises questions about security and the prevention measures in Vienna. In current discussions it becomes clear that more and more voices are advocating a sharper approach to carrying weapons in public space. Already existing weapons ban zones, such as at the Vienna Praterstern, could soon be extended to other areas.

The incident shows the urgency of reacting to the increasing crime with knife attacks and taking suitable measures. Observers and experts emphasize the need for a holistic approach to ensure public security in the long term.

For more information about the incident, please visit vienna.at or orf" Vienna . You can find more about the increasing numbers for knife attacks on vienna.at