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Although the shooting started near the city’s main synagogue, it is unclear whether the place of worship was the target. Oskar Deutsch, president of the Israelite Religious Society in Austria, tweeted that the attack took place in the vicinity of the synagogue.
“What is certain, however, is that both the synagogue at Seitenstettengasse and the office building at the same address were no longer in operation and were closed at the time of the first shots.
“In any case, there were shootings in the vicinity of the city’s temple. All parishioners were asked not to enter the public thoroughfare and to remain in locked rooms until the security authorities, who were working with the security department of IKG, they’ll give the okay. “
Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister told The Associated Press (AP) that he witnessed a suspect shoot people in nearby bars.
“They were firing at least 100 rounds right outside our building,” Hofmeister said.
The attack comes the night before Austria enters a COVID-19 lockdown.
“From midnight all bars and restaurants will be closed in Austria for the next month and a lot of people are likely to want to use that night to be able to go out.”
The Guardian reports that “a great wave of anti-immigrant sentiment has already begun to emerge online.” That’s despite the fact that the identities and motives of the attackers are not yet known.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he is “deeply shocked” by the attacks.
“The UK’s thoughts are with the Austrian people; we are united with you against terrorism.”
Scott Morrison, the Australian prime minister, also says he is “deeply shocked.”
“The situation remains fluid and the details of the attack are still unclear. I have contacted the Austrian Chancellor @sebastiankurz to convey our thoughts, condolences and assurances to the Austrian people.
“We pray for our Austrian friends and we stand firm with them against acts of violence, terror and intimidation, and everything they seek to undermine.”
Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, who has faced violent attacks in recent days, has tweeted about the shooting.
“We French share the shock and pain of the Austrians after an attack in Vienna. After France, it is a friendly country that is under attack. This is our Europe. Our enemies need to know who they are dealing with. No give. “
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, says: “A terrible attack near a synagogue in Vienna. I just conveyed all the solidarity of the Netherlands to @sebastiankurz. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and with the Austrian government in dealing with this heinous act. “
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, tweeted her thoughts.
“I am shocked and saddened by the brutal attack that took place in Vienna. My thoughts are with the families of the victims and the Austrian people. Europe stands in full solidarity with Austria. We are stronger than hatred and terror.”
The German Foreign Ministry has tweeted about the “terrifying and disturbing news.”
“While we do not yet know the scale of the terror, our thoughts are with the wounded and victims at this difficult time. We will not give way to hatred that aims to divide our societies.”
