Abdelrahman
Tragic Stabbing Incident in Austria Leaves One Dead and Five Injured
A tragic stabbing incident in Austria has resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy and left five others injured.
On Saturday, February 15, law enforcement authorities arrested a 23-year-old man in Villach, thanks to the swift actions of a civilian, as reported by several news outlets, including the Associated Press, ABC News, and the BBC.
According to reports, the violent attack occurred near the city’s central square when the suspect, a Syrian national living in Austria, allegedly used a folding knife to stab three teenage boys along with three adult men aged 28, 32, and 36.
The assailant, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, is said to have initiated the attack around 4 p.m. local time, targeting the six victims near food stalls. He now faces serious charges, including murder and attempted murder.
A 42-year-old food delivery worker who witnessed the altercation from his vehicle intervened by driving towards the suspect, as detailed by police spokesperson Rainer Dionisio.
In response to this shocking event, Austria’s President, Alexander Van der Bellen, expressed his condolences on social media. He stated, "The knife attack in Villach, which resulted in the death of a young person and left several others seriously injured, is horrific." He further remarked that “no words can undo the suffering, the horror, the fear,” extending his thoughts to the families of both the deceased and the injured.
In the aftermath, local officials, including Carinthia’s police chief Michaela Kohlweiss and other regional authorities, addressed the media regarding the ongoing investigation.
Subsequent reports indicated that two of the injured individuals were in serious condition, while two others remained hospitalized, and one had minor injuries, according to the Associated Press.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner revealed that the suspect may have had potential links to the Islamic State group, describing him as someone who "radicalized himself within a very short time via the internet." Authorities searched the suspect’s residence on the outskirts of Villach and conducted interviews on February 15.
During the search, an Islamic State flag was reportedly found in the suspect’s apartment. Karner noted that the individual held a valid residency permit and had no prior criminal record.
According to The Guardian, there are approximately 100,000 Syrian refugees living in Austria, and the suspect was legally residing in the country while seeking asylum.
Mourners gathered at the crime scene on February 16, lighting candles in memory of the young victim, as noted by The Guardian.
Stay Informed on Crime News
For the latest updates on crime stories, consider signing up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter, providing breaking news, ongoing trial coverage, and insights into intriguing unsolved cases.
