Updated: November 3, 2020 9:20:06 pm
Three people investigate the scene after shooting people enjoying a last night before the lockdown in the Austrian capital Vienna on Tuesday morning, Nov.3, 2020 (AP Photo / Ronald Zak)
At least five people have died and several have been injured in a “Repulsive terrorist attack” in central Vienna, Reuters news agency reported. An armed man, identified as Islamic State supporter, was shot and killed by the police. It is unclear if the shooter acted alone or with others, but shots were reported from six different locations near the central synagogue. And at least 1,000 police officers have dispersed across the city looking for other potential shooters.
Witnesses said crowded bars were targeted as many people took advantage of the last night before a nationwide curfew was introduced due to COVID-19.
The shootings took place in the heart of the Austrian capital, hours before the midnight start of a national shutdown, one of several being imposed in Europe to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Several people posted dramatic videos of what appeared to be the shooting and its aftermath. Videos circulating on social media showed a gunman running down a cobbled street shooting and screaming. One showed a man shooting a person outside what appeared to be a bar.
Exclusive video of the shooting of the first moments of the attack in Vienna, Austria#Vienna @BittonRosen pic.twitter.com/BDDHIcnTBK
– ערוץ 20 (@ arutz20) November 2, 2020
Terrorist attack on #Vienna with 7 confirmed dead and several injured. The attack took place in various locations around #Austriacapital. The city’s synagogue was also attacked. A comprehensive counterterrorism operation is underway.#terrorism pic.twitter.com/smmlYmHnNf
– Alexandre Krauss (@AlexandreKrausz) November 2, 2020
Another video showed a man in civilian clothes walking out of a bar or restaurant and then firing a rifle twice down the street. Other videos showed people running for cover or ducking behind obstacles as gunfire echoed through the streets and heavily armed police taking positions.
LOOK: People were seen fleeing an area in central Vienna, Austria, following a shooting in which police said at least one person was killed and several people were injured. pic.twitter.com/qpUy9VYnKv
– Bloomberg QuickTake (@QuickTake) November 2, 2020
“Currently, the police report that there are a total of six crime scenes.”
Puls 24 editor-in-chief Stefan Kaltenbrunner told Sky News that “various perpetrators” are responsible for an attack in Vienna.
Get the latest here: https://t.co/TUb9DAtFXo pic.twitter.com/RujcbgLZj9
– SkyNews (@SkyNews) November 2, 2020
#BREAK: At least 1 person died after a shooting occurred in downtown #Vienna, in the area of ​​the Jewish community center and the synagogue. The internal security of the Jewish community in Austria has ordered all Jewish citizens not to leave their homes. pic.twitter.com/RkNXaEW4P7
– VINnews (@VINNews) November 2, 2020
Terrorist attack on #Vienna with 7 confirmed dead and several injured. The attack took place in various locations around #Austriacapital. The city’s synagogue was also attacked. A comprehensive counterterrorism operation is underway.#terrorism pic.twitter.com/smmlYmHnNf
– Alexandre Krauss (@AlexandreKrausz) November 2, 2020
Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said: “Last night we suffered an attack by at least one Islamist terrorist, a situation that we have not had to experience in Austria for decades. Austria for more than 75 years has been a strong democracy, a mature democracy, a country whose identity is marked by basic values ​​and rights, with freedom of expression, the rule of law, but also tolerance in human coexistence. Yesterday’s attack is an attack on these values. “
After windows were smashed at the entrance to a car park at the scene in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Police in the Austrian capital said multiple shots were fired shortly after 8pm. 2, on a lively street in the center of Vienna. Austria’s top security official said authorities believe multiple gunmen were involved and that a police operation was still ongoing. (Photo / Ronald Zak)
Condolences came from around the world, and senior officials from the European Union, France, Norway, Greece and the United States expressed shock at the attacks. US President Donald Trump said in a tweet that “our prayers are with the people of Vienna after another vile act of terrorism in Europe.” “These evil attacks on innocent people must stop. The United States supports Austria, France and all of Europe in the fight against terrorists, including radical Islamic terrorists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the terrorist attacks in Vienna and stated that India supports Austria during this tragic time.
(With inputs from agencies)
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