Danube Island Festival 2025: High security zone after Graz rampage!

Danube Island Festival 2025: High security zone after Graz rampage!

On June 18, 2025, the Donauinselfest, one of the largest and best-known festivals in Vienna, will take place for the 42nd time. However, in response to the tragic shooting rampage in Graz and the general security situation, the event will become a high-security zone. Several hundred police officers will be on duty during the festival to ensure the safety of visitors.

A newly set up security center as well as the use of 40 surveillance cameras and three drone teams are intended to help identify potential dangers at an early stage. Modern crime mapping technology is also used to specifically identify problem areas.

Safety measures and visitor information

Strict security measures apply to participants in the Danube Island Festival. A search ordinance comes into force so that all visitors must submit to being searched. Weapons and knives are strictly prohibited. To minimize the risk of injury, rain ponchos are recommended instead of umbrellas, as these could be used as projectiles.

In addition, 40 festival pastors are available to support visitors in times of fear and worry. Retreats and contact persons in the event of sexual harassment are also available. An island emergency number, available on 01/270 04 20, can be used in emergencies. To commemorate the victims of the shooting spree in Graz, there will be a sea of ​​lights on all stages on Friday at 9:58 p.m.

Background to the shooting spree in Graz

The rampage in Graz, in which ten people lost their lives and eleven others were injured within 13 minutes, occurred under dramatic circumstances. Quick police intervention was necessary, which is documented in a chronology: The alarm was raised at 10:00 a.m., followed by the arrival of the first police patrols at 10:06 a.m. The perpetrator was eventually found dead in a toilet after committing suicide. Details of this incident were made public by Colonel Kurt Kornberger, the site commander of the Cobra South task force, which paint a frightening picture of the events.

Security is therefore a central issue, especially at major events. In the past, there have been increasing numbers of amok crimes in Germany and Europe with various motives. These attacks, which often take place in public, cause particular horror and have increased security measures at public events. The shootings in Erfurt and Winnenden, for example, sparked crucial discussions about gun laws. The current security precautions at the Danube Island Festival are also a direct result of such tragedies.

This year's festival lineup includes Milky Chance, Kim Wilde and Rag'n'Bone Man, among others. Interestingly, the ESC winner Johannes Pietsch alias JJ will not appear, which has already led to speculation about his cancellation due to controversial statements.