Christian Stocker, leader of the Conservative Party, articulated on the X social media platform that the perpetrator “should face justice and be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

“We all desire a secure Austria, which necessitates implementing political measures to “prevent such acts of horror in the future,” he added.

Villach is a southern Austrian city located in the state of Carinthia.

Famous for its carnival, Villach sits in a popular summer tourist region known for one of Austria’s most renowned lakes, yet generally attracts less attention throughout the year.

“Having served in the (Carinthian police) press office for two decades, I’ve never witnessed such an incident,” commented police spokesperson Rainer Dionisio to national broadcaster ORF.

A 14-year-old boy tragically lost his life during a random knife attack in Austria.

Officials revealed that the suspect, a 23-year-old Syrian national with legal residency in Austria, has been apprehended following the attack on Saturday in Villach.

Rainer Dionisio of the police stated that the motive is presently unknown, and they’re examining the perpetrator’s background.

“We need to await secure information,” he elaborated, adding that the assailant “randomly targeted individuals with a knife.”

In total, five individuals were stabbed during the attack; sadly, a 14-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries.

The victims were all males, aged 14 to 32 years.

Among the injured, two were in critical condition, while the other two suffered minor injuries.

Following the lethal assault, the city council of Villach issued a statement.

Mayor Günther Albel condemned the attack firmly, announcing to ORF broadcasters, “Today we face the worst imaginable situation in Villach.”

The council has called for federal measures in response to prevent similar incidents.

Austrian police stated that the individual responsible for the knife attack, which resulted in one fatality, targeted people indiscriminately.

According to police spokesman Rainer Dionisio, “The assailant randomly attacked passers-by with a knife,” confirming the death of a 14-year-old boy.

Peter Kaiser, the governor of Carinthia, expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased 14-year-old.

“This appalling act must be met with stringent consequences,” he asserted.

“I have consistently made my position clear: Everyone who resides in Carinthia, including those in Austria, must abide by the law and respect our societal values.”

Officials reported that the suspect, a 23-year-old Syrian citizen with legal residency in Austria, was detained by police following the attack in Villach.

Spokesperson Rainer Dionisio mentioned that a definitive motive has not been established, and investigations into the attacker’s personal history are ongoing.

“We must wait until we can obtain reliable information,” he added.

The police are also determining whether the suspect operated independently and continued to search for any additional accomplices.

A 42-year-old food delivery driver witnessed the attack from his vehicle.

He drove towards the assailant in an effort to halt the attack, as noted by police spokesperson Rainer Dionisio during an interview with Austria’s public broadcaster ORF.

This action allowed law enforcement to apprehend the suspect swiftly.