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Vienna terrorist attack: at least two dead after shooting near synagogue in Austria – live updates Vienna terrorist attack: several dead after shooting near synagogue in Austria – live updates
(30 minutes later)
Austrian police say one civilian and one suspect are dead after shootings across six locations in the centre of Vienna Austrian police say at least one civilian and one suspect are dead and one gunman is on the run after shootings across six locations
At that press conference, Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer called Monday, “hardest day for Austria several years,” the BBC reports.
Initial reports had suggested that the nearby Stadttempel synagogue could have been the target of the attack.
But Oskar Deutsch, president of the Jewish Community Vienna, said the synagogue on Seitenstettengasse and the office building at the same address were already closed at the time of the attack, and it was “unclear” if it was one of the targets of the attack.
Deutsch told the Kurier newspaper that no members of Vienna’s Jewish community were among those injured in the attack.
Citing an interview with a rabbi living directly above the synagogue, Kurier reported an attacker had taken random shots at people sitting outside cafes and bars on Judengasse and Seitenstettengasse in central Vienna. “He did not aim at the Stadttempel [synagogue],” the witness said.
The synagogue was the target of a terror attack almost four decades ago. On 29 August 1981, two members of the Palestinian group Fatah – The Revolutionary Council, also known as ANO – tried to storm the synagogue building but were stopped by security forces. Two people were killed and 21 others injured in the attack:
There will be another press conference at 6am tomorrow, the police have said. That press conference has now ended.
Austrian interior minister Karl Nehammer has said that “several” people have died in the attack.
He has also said: • At least one attacker still on the run• Children not required to go to school on Tuesday• He has repeated the appeal to the public to avoid central Vienna
That press conference has started. We will bring you updates in English shortly.
You can watch it live here.
Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Monday night that the attack in the heart of Vienna was “definitely” a terror attack that had been “very professionally” planned.Citing government sources, broadcaster ORF reported that the gunman shot by police outside St Rupert’s Church was carrying an explosive belt and a bag filled with a large amount of ammunition.Several special forces units have been brought together to search for “mobile perpetrators” who are still believed to be at large.Oskar Deutsch, the president of the Jewish Community Vienna said on Twitter that all synagogues, Jewish schools, kosher restaurants and supermarkets would remain closed on Tuesday.
We will be bringing you that police conference live as it happens.
The Vienna police will be delivering an address shortly via their facebook page, they have announced on Twitter.
“On our Facebook page there will soon be a live stream of press statements from BM Nehammer, LPP Pürstl and General Director f. d. Public security,” they said.
The Guardian’s Philip Oltermann reports that, according to ORF, a gunman has been shot outside St Ruper’s Church. He is reported to have been carrying or wearing an explosive belt and a bag containing ammunition.The Guardian’s Philip Oltermann reports that, according to ORF, a gunman has been shot outside St Ruper’s Church. He is reported to have been carrying or wearing an explosive belt and a bag containing ammunition.
Hi, Helen Sullivan joining you now. As we bring you the latest, please know that you can contact me with news tips, questions or comments at any point on Twitter @helenrsullivan and via email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.Hi, Helen Sullivan joining you now. As we bring you the latest, please know that you can contact me with news tips, questions or comments at any point on Twitter @helenrsullivan and via email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.
Here is what we know so far about this evening’s events:Here is what we know so far about this evening’s events:
At least one civilian has been killed, and 15 people injured, in a terrorist attack in central Vienna that began shortly after 8pm local time on Monday. The attacks began with volleys of gunfire, and authorities said several attackers remained at large several hours later. The injury and death tolls are expected to rise.At least one civilian has been killed, and 15 people injured, in a terrorist attack in central Vienna that began shortly after 8pm local time on Monday. The attacks began with volleys of gunfire, and authorities said several attackers remained at large several hours later. The injury and death tolls are expected to rise.
At least one attacker has been confirmed dead.At least one attacker has been confirmed dead.
The assaults, by an unknown number of shooters carrying long firearms, occurred at six locations close to Seitenstettengasse in the heart of the Austrian capital.The assaults, by an unknown number of shooters carrying long firearms, occurred at six locations close to Seitenstettengasse in the heart of the Austrian capital.
The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, described the assaults as a terror attack and has called the military onto the streets of Vienna. “We are currently going through difficult times in our republic. I would like to thank all the emergency services who risk their lives, especially today for our safety. Our police will take decisive action against the perpetrators of this hideous terrorist attack,” Kurz said.The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, described the assaults as a terror attack and has called the military onto the streets of Vienna. “We are currently going through difficult times in our republic. I would like to thank all the emergency services who risk their lives, especially today for our safety. Our police will take decisive action against the perpetrators of this hideous terrorist attack,” Kurz said.
The interior minister, Karl Nehammer, said several attackers were still at large at midnight, and warned they were “heavily armed and dangerous”. “We have brought several special forces units together that are now searching for the presumed terrorists. I am therefore not limiting it to an area of Vienna because these are mobile perpetrators,” Nehammer told broadcaster ORF, urging the public to stay indoors until the all-clear was given.The interior minister, Karl Nehammer, said several attackers were still at large at midnight, and warned they were “heavily armed and dangerous”. “We have brought several special forces units together that are now searching for the presumed terrorists. I am therefore not limiting it to an area of Vienna because these are mobile perpetrators,” Nehammer told broadcaster ORF, urging the public to stay indoors until the all-clear was given.
Police and security authorities have asked people not to share videos and images on social media of the attacks. Authorities have said is hampering attempts to neutralise the offenders.Police and security authorities have asked people not to share videos and images on social media of the attacks. Authorities have said is hampering attempts to neutralise the offenders.
Police have told residents to keep away from the centre of Vienna.Police have told residents to keep away from the centre of Vienna.
Early reports suggested the nearby Stadttempel synagogue could have been the target of the attack. But Oskar Deutsch, president of Vienna’s Jewish community, said the synagogue on Seitenstettengasse was closed at the time of the attack. He told the Kurier newspaper it was “unclear” if it was a target.Early reports suggested the nearby Stadttempel synagogue could have been the target of the attack. But Oskar Deutsch, president of Vienna’s Jewish community, said the synagogue on Seitenstettengasse was closed at the time of the attack. He told the Kurier newspaper it was “unclear” if it was a target.
The attack occurred on the last night before a new coronavirus lockdown was due to come into force in the city.The attack occurred on the last night before a new coronavirus lockdown was due to come into force in the city.
EU and other world leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Austrian people.EU and other world leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Austrian people.
That’s where I will leave you for today, but Helen Sullivan is here to take you through the rest of the unfolding news.That’s where I will leave you for today, but Helen Sullivan is here to take you through the rest of the unfolding news.
My colleague Ben Doherty has put together this wrap of everything we know so far:My colleague Ben Doherty has put together this wrap of everything we know so far:
The AFP news agency has put together this wrap up of EU’s leader’s reactions to the attacks in Vienna, as they vow to stand by Austria.The AFP news agency has put together this wrap up of EU’s leader’s reactions to the attacks in Vienna, as they vow to stand by Austria.
FranceFrance
French President Emmanuel Macron said: “We French share the shock and sorrow of the Austrian people following the attack in Vienna.French President Emmanuel Macron said: “We French share the shock and sorrow of the Austrian people following the attack in Vienna.
“After France, it is a friendly nation that has been attacked. This is our Europe. Our enemies must know who they’re dealing with. We will concede nothing,” he tweeted in both French and German.“After France, it is a friendly nation that has been attacked. This is our Europe. Our enemies must know who they’re dealing with. We will concede nothing,” he tweeted in both French and German.
GermanyGermany
Germany’s foreign ministry vowed not to “give in to hate that is supposed to divide our societies.Germany’s foreign ministry vowed not to “give in to hate that is supposed to divide our societies.
“Even if we can’t yet foresee the extent of the terror, our thoughts are with the wounded and the victims in these difficult hours,” the ministry wrote on Twitter, calling the news from neighbouring Austria “horrifying and disturbing”.“Even if we can’t yet foresee the extent of the terror, our thoughts are with the wounded and the victims in these difficult hours,” the ministry wrote on Twitter, calling the news from neighbouring Austria “horrifying and disturbing”.
ItalyItaly
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said there was “no room for hatred and violence in our common European home,” while his foreign minister Luigi Di Maio tweeted that “Europe must react”.Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said there was “no room for hatred and violence in our common European home,” while his foreign minister Luigi Di Maio tweeted that “Europe must react”.
EUEU
EU Council chief Charles Michel said that “Europe strongly condemns this cowardly act that violates life and our human values. My thoughts are with the victims and the people of Vienna in the wake of tonight’s horrific attack. We stand with Austria”.EU Council chief Charles Michel said that “Europe strongly condemns this cowardly act that violates life and our human values. My thoughts are with the victims and the people of Vienna in the wake of tonight’s horrific attack. We stand with Austria”.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that she was “shocked and saddened”, saying her “thoughts are with the families of the victims and the Austrian people.”EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that she was “shocked and saddened”, saying her “thoughts are with the families of the victims and the Austrian people.”
The president of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, said he felt “sadness and horror” and the EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell called it “a cowardly act of violence and hate.”The president of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, said he felt “sadness and horror” and the EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell called it “a cowardly act of violence and hate.”
Czech RepublicCzech Republic
In the Czech Republic, which neighbours Austria, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said he was “horrified by the attack... and I want to express my solidarity to all people in Austria and my friend Sebastian Kurz”.In the Czech Republic, which neighbours Austria, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said he was “horrified by the attack... and I want to express my solidarity to all people in Austria and my friend Sebastian Kurz”.
GreeceGreece
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted that he was “Shocked by the horrific attacks in Vienna” and had offered Kurz Athens’ “full solidarity”.Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted that he was “Shocked by the horrific attacks in Vienna” and had offered Kurz Athens’ “full solidarity”.
“Our thoughts are with the people in Vienna and the authorities dealing with the situation. Our hearts, with the victims and their loved ones,” Mitsotakis added“Our thoughts are with the people in Vienna and the authorities dealing with the situation. Our hearts, with the victims and their loved ones,” Mitsotakis added
Vienna City Hospital chief has spoken to Austrian broadcaster ORF.Vienna City Hospital chief has spoken to Austrian broadcaster ORF.
He says 15 people have been injured in the attack, either hurt in the shooting or while fighting. This has not been confirmed by police at this point.He says 15 people have been injured in the attack, either hurt in the shooting or while fighting. This has not been confirmed by police at this point.
This is consistent with a previous statement from Vienna mayor Michael Ludwig, who told ORF that 15 people were being treated in Vienna hospitals and that seven were in a serious condition.This is consistent with a previous statement from Vienna mayor Michael Ludwig, who told ORF that 15 people were being treated in Vienna hospitals and that seven were in a serious condition.
Chris Zhao, a student in Vienna, was in a restaurant when the attack took place.Chris Zhao, a student in Vienna, was in a restaurant when the attack took place.
He told the BBC he heard between 20 and 30 bangs that sounded like firecrackers just after 8 pm.He told the BBC he heard between 20 and 30 bangs that sounded like firecrackers just after 8 pm.
The manager locked the door to the restaurant at first, but when he left Zhao says he saw several people injured and one bodyThe manager locked the door to the restaurant at first, but when he left Zhao says he saw several people injured and one body
“We didn’t know what was going on,” he said.“We didn’t know what was going on,” he said.
“We were in shock.”“We were in shock.”
Czech police said they had started random checks on the country’s border with Austria following Monday’s attack near a Vienna synagogue that had left at least two dead and several injured.Czech police said they had started random checks on the country’s border with Austria following Monday’s attack near a Vienna synagogue that had left at least two dead and several injured.
“Police are carrying out random checks of vehicles and passengers on border crossings with Austria as a preventive measure in relation to the terror attack in Vienna,” Czech police tweeted.“Police are carrying out random checks of vehicles and passengers on border crossings with Austria as a preventive measure in relation to the terror attack in Vienna,” Czech police tweeted.
This comes after the Austrian interior minister confirmed law enforcement was expanding their search for mobile attackers outside of Vienna.This comes after the Austrian interior minister confirmed law enforcement was expanding their search for mobile attackers outside of Vienna.
Czech Interior Minister Jan Hamacek said in a tweet Czech police were also in touch with Austrian colleagues following the “dreadful news from Vienna”.Czech Interior Minister Jan Hamacek said in a tweet Czech police were also in touch with Austrian colleagues following the “dreadful news from Vienna”.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis tweeted his condolences over the attack near the Stadttempel synagogue.Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis tweeted his condolences over the attack near the Stadttempel synagogue.
“I am horrified by the attack on the Vienna synagogue and I want to express my solidarity to all people in Austria and my friend (Austrian Chancellor) Sebastian Kurz,” Babis tweeted.“I am horrified by the attack on the Vienna synagogue and I want to express my solidarity to all people in Austria and my friend (Austrian Chancellor) Sebastian Kurz,” Babis tweeted.
EU leaders have also expressed solidarity with the Austrian peopleEU leaders have also expressed solidarity with the Austrian people
Here is an update from Reuters, recapping the Interior minister’s comments to ORF:
Several suspected perpetrators of what the Austrian government is calling a terror attack in Vienna are on the loose and a manhunt is underway, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said on Monday, calling the attackers “heavily armed and dangerous.”
“We have brought several special forces units together that are now searching for the presumed terrorists. I am therefore not limiting it to an area of Vienna because these are mobile perpetrators,” Nehammer told broadcaster ORF, urging the public to stay indoors until the all-clear is given
Graphic and unconfirmed, videos are being shared around social media, showing people shot and bleeding near the outside tables of local restaurants.
Vienna police have urgently and repeatedly asked that no video or photographs be shared on social media.
The interior minister suggested some attackers may still be mobile, therefore providing any information on social media about there whereabouts of police locations could be dangerous.
Earlier reports had suggested that the nearby Stadttempel synagogue could have been the target of the attack.But Oskar Deutsch, president of the Jewish Community Vienna, said the synagogue on Seitenstettengasse and the office building at the same address were already closed at the time of the attack, and it was “unclear” if it was one of the targets of the attack.Deutsch told the Kurier newspaper that no members of Vienna’s Jewish community were among those injured in the attack.Citing an interview with a rabbi living directly above the Stadttempel synagogue, newspaper Kurier reported an attacker had taken random shots at people sitting outside cafes and bars on Judengasse and Seitenstettengasse in central Vienna. “He did not aim at the Stadttempel [synagogue]”, the witness said.The Stadttempel synagogue was the target of a terror attack almost four decades ago. On 29 August 1981 two members of the Palestinian group Fatah – The Revolutionary Council, also known as ANO, tried to storm the synagogue building but were stoppedat the gatesby security forces. Two people were killed and 21 others injured in the attack.
Austria’s minister for the interior Karl Nehammer spoke on ORF TV a short time ago.
He confirmed that police are still in the process of fighting the presumed terrorists. He said they are still looking for the potential perpetrators and some attackers may still be mobile.
Video and pictures are circulating online of a number of men, shirtless with their arms up in the air, being approached by heavily armed police. It’s unknown if these men are directly involved in the attack. The number of attackers, or how many groups are involved is also unknown.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has labelled the Vienna shooting a “hideous terrorist attack”.
He says that armed forces will be taking over some police operations to allow police to focus on their anti-terror efforts.
Roughly translated he says:
At least one civilian and one attacker have been confirmed dead in Vienna says Harald Soro, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry.
A Rabbi has described what he the attack to The Associated Press.
Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister said he saw at least one person fire shots at people sitting outside bars in the street below his window. His account of the shooting remains unconfirmed by Vienna Police.
“They were shooting at least 100 rounds just outside our building,” Hofmeister said.
“All these bars have tables outside. This evening is the last evening before the lockdown,” he added.
“As of midnight, all bars and restaurants will be closed in Austria for the next month and a lot of people probably wanted to use that evening to be able to go out.”
Online a large wave of anti-immigrant sentiment has already begun to emerge, in the wake of the attack.
Currently, no information on the identity of any attackers has been released, and their nationality and the motivation for the attack is currently unknown.
French President Emmanuel Macron has tweeted his solidarity with Austria.
France has also been the victim of several attacks in recent weeks, although the Austrian shooters’ motivation is still unknown.
Roughly translated he says: We, the French, share the shock and sadness of the Austrians after an attack in Vienna. It is a friendly country that is under attack. This is our Europe. Our enemies need to know who they are dealing with. We won’t give in to anything.