By Euronews with AP, AFP
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Follow our live blog for the latest news on the manhunt.
Four people were killed and dozens injured after a gunman brought havoc to the streets of the Austrian capital of Vienna on Monday night, just hours before the start of a coronavirus lockdown.
Authorities initially feared that several gunmen had taken part in the attack but Interior Minister Karl Nehammer told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that evidence gathered thus far shows no indication that there was a second attacker.
The gunman was killed but several others were believed to be on the run, sparking a city-wide manhunt and prompting authorities to warn residents to stay in their homes.
The attacks came as Viennese were out in restaurants and bars enjoying the last night before the beginning of a partial lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Euronews has the full story on the attacks here and you can follow below for live updates.
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We're now bringing our live blog to a close. Thank you for joining us as we brought you all the latest developments from Vienna following last night's terror attack.
Here are the main details so far:
Here are the main details so far:
- Five people - four victims and the attacker - were killed in the attack in the Austrian capital;
- Some 22 others were injured, some "seriously," including a police officer;
- Chancellor Sebastian Kurz confirmed this morning that the incident was an "Islamist terror attack";
- The suspect was identified as Kujtim Fejzulai, a 22-year-old dual Austrian-North Macedonian national who had tried to enter Syria to join Islamic State in 2019;
- Police have arrested 14 people in connection with the attack, according to Austria's Interior Minister.
For all the latest information, you can read our full report here.
One of the four people killed in Monday's attack was a German national, Heiko Maas has confirmed on Twitter.
The German Foreign Minister also expressed his condolences to the families and friends of all the victims.
"With the people in Vienna and Austria, we share the grief for the victims, but also the determination to counter fanaticism and terror with all our might," he added.
"Hatred can never be as strong as our community in freedom, in democracy, in tolerance, and in love," Austrian President Alexander Van Der Bellen said during an address the nation.
"The attack was obviously aimed at everyone who values life in a free society.
"We will not let this hatred infect us. We will protect ourself and our values," he added.
He also praised law enforcement officers and emergency workers "who give their utmost in times of great stress" and thanked the international community "that stands united and in solidarity with Austria in the difficult hours."
The suspect was identified as Kujtim Fejzulai, authorities have said.
He had previously served time in prison following an April 2019 conviction for an attempt to travel to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State.
He was granted early release from his 22-month jail term in December under juvenile law.
Austria's Interior Minister Karl Nehammer has revealed that 14 people have been arrested over the attack.
He added that evidence gathered so far shows no indication that there was a second attacker.
Luigi di Maio, Italy's foreign minister, has called for a "European Patriot Act" in response to the recent terror attacks in Austria and France.
In a Facebook post, Di Maio called for tighter checks in mosques and increased surveillance of "illegal migration."
"Defending our borders is the duty of every state, as well as a right. The right of every citizen to feel safe in their own home. We have an obligation to guarantee its right," he wrote.
"We reiterate our proximity to the Austrian and French people in this great moment of pain.
"Let's stand united against all forms of terrorism and bigotry," he added.
Austria's leaders have paid their respects to the victims of the attack in Vienna.
From left to right, Wolfgang Sobotka, President of the Austrian National Council, Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz laid wreaths in memory of those who died.
AP is reporting that fifteen house searches have taken place and several people have been arrested. The attacker, the interior minister has said, "was equipped with a fake explosive vest and an automatic rifle, a handgun and a machete to carry out this repugnant attack on innocent citizens.”
Named as Kujtim Fejzulai, was sentenced to 22 months in prison in April 2019 because he had tried to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State group. He was granted early release in December under juvenile law.
More of Kurz's comments have now been translated. He said: “It is now confirmed that yesterday's attack was clearly an Islamist terror attack. It was an attack out of hatred — hatred for our fundamental values, hatred for our way of life, hatred for our democracy in which all people have equal rights and dignity.”
Vienna’s hospital service said seven people were in life-threatening condition Tuesday after the attack, the Austrian news agency APA reported. In total, 17 people were being treated in hospitals, with gunshot wounds but also cuts.
Kurz, vice chancellor Werner Kogler and Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig and the heads of the Parliament's fractions are going to meet at 12.15 when they will lay a wreath to remember the victims
Kurz said that the victims would be commemorated at midday, while the country's national security council was being convened to discuss what should happen next.
He added that the fact that the attacks were carried out by Islamists did not mean that Austrians "should condemn all members of a religion. It is a fight between the people who believe in peace and the terrorists."
Kurz began by condemning the attacks in Vienna as a "repulsive terrorist attack" and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He said it was clearly an "Islamist" attack and said that the attackers were motivated by hatred of Austrian democracy and its way of life.
Austria's Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, is due to address the nation at 10.30 CET. We'll be updating you here on what he says.
Turkey condemned Tuesday the attack in Vienna, expressing its "solidarity" with the Austrian people.
"We are saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries in a terrorist attack which took place in Vienna. We strongly condemn this terrorist attack," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Austria's interior minister has just confirmed that the shooter who was killed last night in Vienna is a 20-year-old dual citizen of North Macedonia and Austria.
Hello welcome to the Euronews live blog about the attacks in Austria and the manhunt for the attackers.
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