Multiple terrorists carry out devastating attack in Vienna, Austria on Monday; Several deaths are reported alongside many injuries in close proximity to several synagogues; Kurz: We will never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism and we will fight these attacks resolutely by all means.
Authorities inside of Austria as well as officials from neighboring countries are continuing their search for more suspects after an unprecedented, deadly attack of terror occurred on Monday in Vienna. One Islamic terrorist responsible for the attack was shot and killed west of where the original shots occurred in the area of Vienna’s main synagogue. Additionally, more arrests have been made, but there’s no confirmation as of yet that those arrested were directly involved in the attack.
Shortly following the attack, there were several reports indicating a different number of fatalities. However, as of Tuesday morning, the reported death count is five people with over 20 wounded. Four of the five being civilians and the other being a terrorist, who was later identified as a 20-year old who had ties to terrorism in Syria and was released from jail in December.
Reports suggest that the suspects were heavily armed and one of them may have been wearing an explosive belt.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz tweeted after the attack, “We will never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism and we will fight these attacks resolutely by all means.”
The attack took place in a Jewish “area” of Vienna, where at least six synagogues are within close proximity to each other. However, all of them were closed due to COVID-19 protocols. It is unknown as to whether or not they were the initial target of the attack. Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister, who witnessed the attack, said that he saw at least two attackers who fired off no less than 100 rounds in front of the Seitenstettengasse Synagogue.
Several European and world leaders have voiced their support for the Austrian people.
