Bloody terrorist attack in Villach: 14-year-old dies in knife attack!

Bloody terrorist attack in Villach: 14-year-old dies in knife attack!

An unprecedented knife attack occurred in Villach on Saturday afternoon, shocking the region. A 23-year-old Syrian citizen randomly stabbed passers-by in front of the main square, leaving a tragic outcome: a 14-year-old lost his life, while three other people were seriously injured and are in intensive care. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) described the incident as a clear Islamist attack that had a connection to the terrorist group “Islamic State” (IS). According to investigations, the perpetrator learned about his radicalization through social media such as TikTok and professed radical ideologies.

The Interior Minister expressed great anger and sadness about the events. Karner said: “It hurts so much to have to stand here and announce that a 14-year-old was murdered.” In this context, he announced that he would carry out “mass checks without cause”, especially for certain target groups such as those entitled to asylum with a Syrian and Afghan background the press reported. The police are currently assuming a lone perpetrator, but the call for increased control is unmistakable. During a search of the perpetrator's house, IS flags were seized, which identified him as a member of the terrorist organization.

Response measures and investigations

The police were able to arrest the perpetrator within just seven minutes of the first emergency call, although they also had to use physical force. A brave food delivery worker had the presence of mind to intervene by driving his car towards the attacker to prevent anything worse from happening. Karner expressly thanked the emergency services who reacted courageously. In order to be better prepared for the current threats, State Police Director Michaela Kohlweiß emphasized that there will continue to be an increased police presence and increased security checks in Villach city center and at events.

As a result of these events, a security summit is also called to discuss the security situation in Carinthia. Karner announced that the legal framework for such mass checks must be revised in order to give security authorities the necessary means to ensure public safety. These events cast a shadow over society and the political debate about integration and security is now being heated up again and will remain a central issue in the coming days and weeks.