Fourth Victim Dies Following Attack in Austria

A gunman in Austria, who was known to police, has tragically killed four people in Vienna, and wounded a further 17… of which seven are in a critical condition. The victims had been enjoying the last evening out at cafes and restaurants on Monday 2 November, before going into a second Lockdown today (3 Nov).

The 20-year-old gunman – armed with an automatic rife, pistol and machete and wearing a fake explosives belt – ran down streets, opening fire at several locations, before fatally shooting civilians in the centre of town, at around 20h00 on Monday evening. It was near a synagogue which was closed at the time.

Police in the European country revealed that man was a “known Islamist born in Vienna”. Local newspapers said police knew of him because he had wanted to travel to Syria, where it is believed he wanted to join ISIS. Police thought he was “incapable of planning a local attack”, said a Vienna editor.

One policeman was critically wounded before the perpetrator was killed (or “neutralised” in the words of the Chief of Police), at 20h09. At least one other “heavily armed and dangerous” person is on the run, according to Austria’s Interior Minister, Karl Nehammer.

Residents of Vienna have been urged to stay home and not travel to the city centre. “Please avoid the city centre,” tweeted Nehammer. Neighbouring countries have also stepped up their border controls.

Also on Monday, at least 22 people were killed by a group reported to be affiliated with Islamic State, in Afghanistan during an attack on a book fair in Kabul. A siege, in which hostages were taken, lasted over five hours. Afghanistan has declared today a national day of mourning.

At least four people were killed by a gunman who opened fire at multiple locations in Vienna, before he was shot dead by police. Officials suspect more attackers may have been involved. pic.twitter.com/1zLGvhAoXp

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 3, 2020