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Vienna shooting: fourth victim dies as police make several arrests - latest updates Vienna shooting: fourth victim dies as police make several arrests - latest updates
(32 minutes later)
Government confirms five people including suspected attacker have diedGovernment confirms five people including suspected attacker have died
Five people died during an attack in Vienna on Monday night, including two male civilians and two female, and one gunman who was killed by police.
Authorities described the attacker as a 20-year-old “Islamist terrorist” with North Macedonian and Austrian citizenship.
Fourteen people – including at least one police officer – were injured by gunfire and stabbing attacks, which broke out at 8pm. Seven victims were reported by medics to be in critical condition.
The assaults occurred at six locations close to Seitenstettengasse in the heart of the Austrian capital.
Police said they were not certain how many attackers were on the streets and several people have been arrested.
The army has been deployed in the capital to back up law enforcement, as a widespread search continued on Tuesday.
Earlier, authorities had said at least one gunman remained on the run. The interior minister, Karl Nehammer, had warned that the assailant was “heavily armed and dangerous” and urged the public to stay indoors until the all-clear was given.
Schools will be closed in Vienna on Tuesday and the country has declared three days of mourning.
World leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Austrian people.
The Austrian president, Alexander Van der Bellen, has also just given a speech, in which he described Monday as a “dark night” following a “cowardly terrorist attack on the heart of our society”.
The nation’s deepest sympathy went out to all those who were fighting for their lives, and “our tears are flowing” for the victims and their relatives, he said.
The attack had targeted “life in a liberal democracy, which terrorists clearly hate deeply”. He said Austrians would “protect and defend our values” and added: “Hatred can never be as strong as our fellowship in freedom, in democracy, in tolerance and love.”
He concluded his short speech with: “Long live our common and peaceful Europe.”
Here is more on the chancellor’s speech, from my colleague, Kate Connolly:Here is more on the chancellor’s speech, from my colleague, Kate Connolly:
He said that the “Republic of Austria and its people have been the target of a brutal terror attack” in which “four citizens have been cold-bloodedly murdered.” He said that the “Republic of Austria and its people have been the target of a brutal terror attack” in which “four citizens have been cold-bloodedly murdered”.
Fourteen other people were injured, some of them seriously, he added.Fourteen other people were injured, some of them seriously, he added.
“It was an attack on our free society,” he said. “But we will defend our values.”“It was an attack on our free society,” he said. “But we will defend our values.”
Kurz stressed that all of those behind the attack would be pursued. He added: “The enemy, the Islamist terror, wants to split our society. But we will give no space to this hatred. Our enemies are not the members of a religious community, these are terrorists. This is not a fight between Christians and Muslims, or Austrians and migrants, but a fight between civilisation and barbarity.”Kurz stressed that all of those behind the attack would be pursued. He added: “The enemy, the Islamist terror, wants to split our society. But we will give no space to this hatred. Our enemies are not the members of a religious community, these are terrorists. This is not a fight between Christians and Muslims, or Austrians and migrants, but a fight between civilisation and barbarity.”
He thanked the security services as well as the medical personnel and others “who through their civil courage have saved lives”.He thanked the security services as well as the medical personnel and others “who through their civil courage have saved lives”.
The Israelitische Kultusgemeinde (IKG) in Austria, the organisation representing the Jewish community, has said it has closed all its synagogues and related institutes across the country, following Monday night’s attacks in Vienna.The Israelitische Kultusgemeinde (IKG) in Austria, the organisation representing the Jewish community, has said it has closed all its synagogues and related institutes across the country, following Monday night’s attacks in Vienna.
The decision affects synagogues, as well as kosher restaurants, Jewish supermarkets, schools and cultural centres, said Erich Nuler, spokesman for the IKG’s crisis committee, according to the Austrian daily Der Standard.The decision affects synagogues, as well as kosher restaurants, Jewish supermarkets, schools and cultural centres, said Erich Nuler, spokesman for the IKG’s crisis committee, according to the Austrian daily Der Standard.
Security has been stepped up at Jewish establishments across the country, he said and community members were being urged to stay at home. Nuler said it remained unclear whether or not the attack in which two people were shot in front of the city’s main synagogue on Vienna’s Seitenstettengasse was aimed at the Jewish community.Security has been stepped up at Jewish establishments across the country, he said and community members were being urged to stay at home. Nuler said it remained unclear whether or not the attack in which two people were shot in front of the city’s main synagogue on Vienna’s Seitenstettengasse was aimed at the Jewish community.
The IKG was in close contact with security authorities, he said. Nuler added that the IKG’s psycho-social counselling centre was being inundated with requests for help from community members. He said that much effort was being made to explain to children in particular what had happened on Monday evening.The IKG was in close contact with security authorities, he said. Nuler added that the IKG’s psycho-social counselling centre was being inundated with requests for help from community members. He said that much effort was being made to explain to children in particular what had happened on Monday evening.
First details are emerging about the attacker who was shot dead by police. He was 20 years old and had north Macedonian roots, according to the interior minister, Karl Nehammer. He was a citizen of both Macedonia and Austria and had a criminal record related to terrorist activity.First details are emerging about the attacker who was shot dead by police. He was 20 years old and had north Macedonian roots, according to the interior minister, Karl Nehammer. He was a citizen of both Macedonia and Austria and had a criminal record related to terrorist activity.
Nehammer said the man had been armed with an automatic rifle, a handgun, and a machete. He was also wearing a fake explosives belt.Nehammer said the man had been armed with an automatic rifle, a handgun, and a machete. He was also wearing a fake explosives belt.
The minister added that 15 house raids had taken place across Vienna and St Pölten, about an hour from the Austrian capital. Several people had been arrested.The minister added that 15 house raids had taken place across Vienna and St Pölten, about an hour from the Austrian capital. Several people had been arrested.
Kurz has just begun addressing the Austrian nation, saying the victims were an older man, an older woman, a young passerby and a waitress. He described an injured police officer who tried to stop the attacker as “brave”.Kurz has just begun addressing the Austrian nation, saying the victims were an older man, an older woman, a young passerby and a waitress. He described an injured police officer who tried to stop the attacker as “brave”.
Theatre- and opera-goers have described their shock as they became aware of the nearby attack while they watched the last cultural offerings ahead of a nationwide coronavirus shutdown on Tuesday.Theatre- and opera-goers have described their shock as they became aware of the nearby attack while they watched the last cultural offerings ahead of a nationwide coronavirus shutdown on Tuesday.
Visitors to the Staatsoper and the Burgtheater, the equivalent of Austria’s national theatre, were first made aware of the incident after the venues’ directors took to the respective stages to urge them to stay in their seats.Visitors to the Staatsoper and the Burgtheater, the equivalent of Austria’s national theatre, were first made aware of the incident after the venues’ directors took to the respective stages to urge them to stay in their seats.
Witnesses at the Staatsoper reported that its director, Bogdan Roscic, explained to them in front of the closed stage curtain what had happened, and told the audience that security forces had instructed they were not allowed to leave the building.Witnesses at the Staatsoper reported that its director, Bogdan Roscic, explained to them in front of the closed stage curtain what had happened, and told the audience that security forces had instructed they were not allowed to leave the building.
One thousand people were reportedly present in the sold-out venue, as well as dozens of opera house employees. Audience members were only allowed to leave at 11.45pm, nearly four hours after the attack had begun. They were escorted by police to public transport facilities and urged to head straight home.One thousand people were reportedly present in the sold-out venue, as well as dozens of opera house employees. Audience members were only allowed to leave at 11.45pm, nearly four hours after the attack had begun. They were escorted by police to public transport facilities and urged to head straight home.
“We were shaken, we did not know what was awaiting us. Many people were upset and exhausted,” one opera fan said.“We were shaken, we did not know what was awaiting us. Many people were upset and exhausted,” one opera fan said.
Have you been affected by the shooting?Have you been affected by the shooting?
If you would like to share eyewitness accounts or news tips directly with our journalists then please get in contact via our form. You can also get in touch via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.If you would like to share eyewitness accounts or news tips directly with our journalists then please get in contact via our form. You can also get in touch via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.
Seven people who were injured in last night’s attack remain in a “critical, life-threatening” condition, Dr Michael Binder, medical director of the Viennese health association, KAV, has told the Austrian radio programme Ö1 Journal.Seven people who were injured in last night’s attack remain in a “critical, life-threatening” condition, Dr Michael Binder, medical director of the Viennese health association, KAV, has told the Austrian radio programme Ö1 Journal.
“Seven people are seriously injured and we’re dealing with bullet as well as stab wounds,” he said. He said not all the relatives of those who were injured have yet been informed.“Seven people are seriously injured and we’re dealing with bullet as well as stab wounds,” he said. He said not all the relatives of those who were injured have yet been informed.
A spokeswoman for the health association said that in total 17 people were injured in the attack and they are being treated at several hospitals in the Austrian capital.A spokeswoman for the health association said that in total 17 people were injured in the attack and they are being treated at several hospitals in the Austrian capital.
She also confirmed that they were dealing primarily with gunshot wounds, but also with stab wounds. Ten people had medium to light injuries, she said.She also confirmed that they were dealing primarily with gunshot wounds, but also with stab wounds. Ten people had medium to light injuries, she said.
“The patients are in a state of shock,” she said, adding that the 28-year-old police officer who is among the injured is in a critical but stable state. No other information has been released so far about the identity of the injured.“The patients are in a state of shock,” she said, adding that the 28-year-old police officer who is among the injured is in a critical but stable state. No other information has been released so far about the identity of the injured.
The Austrian state has declared three days of mourning starting today, following the attack. A minute’s silence will take place at midday local time today to remember the victims and flags on official buildings will fly at half-mast.The Austrian state has declared three days of mourning starting today, following the attack. A minute’s silence will take place at midday local time today to remember the victims and flags on official buildings will fly at half-mast.
The Austrian government has now confirmed reports that five people have died, including a suspected attacker who was shot dead by police.The Austrian government has now confirmed reports that five people have died, including a suspected attacker who was shot dead by police.
Interior minister Karl Nehammer said the civilians, two men and two women, died from their injuries.Interior minister Karl Nehammer said the civilians, two men and two women, died from their injuries.
Seventeen others were wounded in the shooting.Seventeen others were wounded in the shooting.
The national broadcaster, ORF, has reported a fourth civilian, a woman, has died.The national broadcaster, ORF, has reported a fourth civilian, a woman, has died.
That would bring the death toll to two male civilians and two female. One attacker, a man, was also killed.That would bring the death toll to two male civilians and two female. One attacker, a man, was also killed.
The Austria Press Agency (APA) says seven others are in a life-threatening condition.The Austria Press Agency (APA) says seven others are in a life-threatening condition.
The City of Vienna has shared numbers to call for those feeling “overwhelmed”.The City of Vienna has shared numbers to call for those feeling “overwhelmed”.
Two of Austria’s neighbours, Germany and the Czech Republic, have stepped up border checks in case any suspected attackers attempt to flee the country.Two of Austria’s neighbours, Germany and the Czech Republic, have stepped up border checks in case any suspected attackers attempt to flee the country.
Police officers were carrying out random checks on vehicles and passengers, Czech police said.Police officers were carrying out random checks on vehicles and passengers, Czech police said.
It is worth a reminder here that we still do not have confirmation from Austrian authorities on the exact number of attackers. One suspect is dead and the interior minister said overnight that at least one “heavily armed and dangerous” person was believed to still be at large.It is worth a reminder here that we still do not have confirmation from Austrian authorities on the exact number of attackers. One suspect is dead and the interior minister said overnight that at least one “heavily armed and dangerous” person was believed to still be at large.
Austria’s interior minister has repeated his request that people remain at home if they can, as police search for possible additional attackers.Austria’s interior minister has repeated his request that people remain at home if they can, as police search for possible additional attackers.
“Please avoid the city centre,” Karl Nehammer tweeted on Tuesday morning. Schools are also closed, he added, asking parents to look after their children at home.“Please avoid the city centre,” Karl Nehammer tweeted on Tuesday morning. Schools are also closed, he added, asking parents to look after their children at home.
The deceased attacker has been described by Austria’s interior minister as an Islamic State sympathiser.The deceased attacker has been described by Austria’s interior minister as an Islamic State sympathiser.
On Monday, an Islamic State-affiliated group of militants in Afghanistan killed at least 22 people during an assault on a Kabul University book fair, taking hostages and fighting gun battles with security forces for more than five hours.On Monday, an Islamic State-affiliated group of militants in Afghanistan killed at least 22 people during an assault on a Kabul University book fair, taking hostages and fighting gun battles with security forces for more than five hours.
Today has been declared a national day of mourning for Afghanistan.Today has been declared a national day of mourning for Afghanistan.
Here is our full story on that horrific attack:Here is our full story on that horrific attack:
Hello. Oliver here, taking over the live blog.Hello. Oliver here, taking over the live blog.
It is after 8am in Vienna, roughly 12 hours since the attack began, and police are still searching for possible accomplices. I will be keeping you updated on all the latest news.It is after 8am in Vienna, roughly 12 hours since the attack began, and police are still searching for possible accomplices. I will be keeping you updated on all the latest news.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. Thank you sincerely to those of you who reached out to the Guardian during the night despite all that was going on.That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. Thank you sincerely to those of you who reached out to the Guardian during the night despite all that was going on.
I’ll leave you with comments from a reader named Lea: “Greetings from Vienna, an indestructible city. We will rise stronger than ever,” she wrote in an email. “There is a reason why everyone is saying “Wien ist anders [Vienna is different, a common slogan in the city]”.I’ll leave you with comments from a reader named Lea: “Greetings from Vienna, an indestructible city. We will rise stronger than ever,” she wrote in an email. “There is a reason why everyone is saying “Wien ist anders [Vienna is different, a common slogan in the city]”.
My colleague Oliver Holmes will be with you from now on.My colleague Oliver Holmes will be with you from now on.
You can read the story on how the night unfolded here:You can read the story on how the night unfolded here:
Austrian state broadcaster ORF reports that several people have been arrested and that seven police officers “made use of their service weapons on Monday evening in the course of the terrorist attack”.Austrian state broadcaster ORF reports that several people have been arrested and that seven police officers “made use of their service weapons on Monday evening in the course of the terrorist attack”.
Also, here is more detail from that press conference earlier:Also, here is more detail from that press conference earlier: