Austria terror attack: 4 dead, including suspect, in Vienna shooting, authorities say
VIENNA – At least three people were killed and 15 hurt when gunfire erupted Monday night in Vienna’s city center, authorities said. One suspect is also dead, officials said.
Three people investigate at the scene following gunfire on people enjoying a last evening out before lockdown in the Austrian capital Vienna, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.
Police officers patrol on a cordoned off street following gunfire in the city center of Vienna, Austria, early Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.
Police officers check a person after gunshots were heard, in Vienna, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.
A police car patrols in front of the Vienna Opera House with the inscription reading: "Mute," following gunfire in the city center of Vienna, Austria, early Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.
Police officers stay in position at stairs named Theodor Herzl Stiege near a synagogue after gunshots were heard, in Vienna, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.
A police officer walks near ambulances at the scene after gunshots were heard, in Vienna, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.
Police officers walk at the scene after gunshots were heard, in Vienna, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.
A police officer stay in position at the scene after gunshots were heard, in Vienna, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.
Police officers check a car at the scene after gunshots were heard, in Vienna, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.
Police officers stay in position next to a memorial for victims of the Nazi era, after gunshots were heard, in Vienna, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.
A police officer with a flashlight stays in position at the scene after gunshots were heard, in Vienna, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.
Police officers stay in position during an operation, in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.
Police officers stay in position during an operation, in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.
Police officers patrol on a cordoned off street following gunfire in the city center of Vienna, Austria, early Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.
Police officers stay in position after gunshots were heard, in Vienna, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.
According to The Associated Press, the shooting began about 8 p.m. local time as many people dined outside at restaurants ahead of a new coronavirus lockdown, Austrian officials said. The gunfire killed two men and one woman, and left 15 people wounded, including a police officer, Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said. Seven of the wounded suffered serious injuries, according to Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig.
Officers also killed a suspected shooter, whom Nehammer described as an Islamic State group sympathizer, the AP reported. The slain suspect was armed and wore a phony suicide vest, according to the news agency. No further information was immediately available.
Investigators were looking into whether more attackers were involved in the shooting, which occurred near a synagogue, Nehammer said.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took to Twitter late Monday to condemn the attack, according to the AP.
“Our prayers are with the people of Vienna after yet another vile act of terrorism in Europe,” Trump tweeted. “These evil attacks against innocent people must stop. The U.S. stands with Austria, France and all of Europe in the fight against terrorists, including radical Islamic terrorists.”
“The U.S. strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Vienna,” Pompeo wrote. “We express our deepest sympathy to the families of those killed and wounded. We affirm our support for the police and first responders, and stand in solidarity with the people of Austria.”
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
