Anti-Semitic attack in Vienna: Perpetrators caught at demonstration!

There was a worrying incident in Vienna: At the same time as a controversial demonstration on Saturday, in which around 1,500 people expressed their displeasure against the FPÖ's failure to commission government negotiations, a 66-year-old man was the target of an anti-Semitic attack in Schrottgiessergasse. Someone tore off his shtreimel, a traditional head covering, and fled with the piece of religious clothing. Thanks to an immediate search, the police were able to identify a 17-year-old Austrian as the suspected perpetrator, who was reported for disturbing the order. Luckily, a witness found the headgear and returned it to the original owner. As the Vienna State Police Directorate confirmed, the State Office for State Security and Combating Extremism (LSE) may be carrying out further investigations, but no connection to the demonstration taking place at the same time was found vienna.at reported.

The demonstration on Heldenplatz, organized by the FPÖ, was aimed at protesting against Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen's decision not to entrust the party with government negotiations. Several knives and a blank gun were seized by the police, which shows that the mood was tense. Participants chanted slogans like “Nehammer has to go!” and showed their disapproval with signs. Although a march was originally planned, it was banned by police due to security concerns, leading to spontaneous gatherings throughout the city. However, these were also broken up, but according to police reports there were no notable arrests or attacks during these events the press reported.