Karner calls for stricter knife controls after the explosion of violence in Vienna!

Karner calls for stricter knife controls after the explosion of violence in Vienna!

On July 16, 2025, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner demanded increased measures against the use of knives and weapons in Austria. This requirement comes in the context of a worrying knife attack that occurred on June 16 at Reumannplatz in Vienna favorites. A man was injured for debts of 310 euros during a dispute. The police were able to identify five Syrian suspects and are now investigating in the case.

Karner emphasized the need for continuous fight against youth crime and also announced a planned Austrian Message Referral Verbots Act, which is intended to prohibit the use of certain types of knife in public space. In connection with this incident, a prohibition of weapons was set up in favorites, which has had a positive impact on the security situation.

safe zones and youth crime

The weapon ban zone, which has existed since March 2024 and is to experience an extension by January 2025, includes central places such as the pedestrian zone of Favoritenstraße and the Reumann- and Keplerplatz. Since June 2025, a total of 187 weapons, including 131 knives, have been ensured. In addition, in April 2024, the police recorded no registered cane offenses such as serious assault or robbery.

Nevertheless, the increase in youth crime is worrying. Among 14-year-olds, especially with a migration background, are severely affected. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, the number of suspects in this age group has increased to seven times since 2020. In Vienna in particular, the number of underage Syrian suspects increased from 187 in the first half of 2024 to 707 in the same period 2025.

causes and prevention approaches

In order to get to the bottom of the causes of this development, a study was commissioned that focused on under 14-year-olds. This study found that many perpetrators surveyed have a migration background and several perpetrators in urban areas are responsible for a large part of the crimes. For example, there was an increase in young people from young people in Austria, with the figures for the age group of 10 to 14 year olds rose from 4 to 14-year-olds to almost 10,000 and the 14 to 18 year old from 24,800 to 34,000.

A significant part of the approach to combat youth crime is the prevention program "Under18" of the Federal Criminal Police Office. It aims to strengthen the individual development opportunities of young people and promote their social security. Since the 2018/19 school year, 450 prevention employees have been in use and offer programs on topics such as violence prevention and digital media literacy.

The challenge not only lies in law enforcement, but also in the imparting of values and the creation of perspectives for young people. Here, new programs, such as violent prevention workshops and a “values coaching” program, should help to integrate young people more into society and to offer them sensible leisure activities.

Overall, it can be seen that the fight against youth crime in Austria is complex and requires a joint procedure. In his statement, Karner emphasized the importance of cooperation between the police, schools and municipalities to ensure a positive development of young people. The topic remains in the focus of security and integration policy.