A knife attack in the southern Austrian town of Villach has left a 14-year-old boy dead and five others injured, with two in serious condition.
The suspect, a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker, was detained at the scene. Authorities have yet to determine a motive but have involved extremism specialists in the investigation.
The attack occurred around 16:00 local time near the town’s main square. Police praised a Syrian delivery driver who deliberately rammed the attacker with his vehicle, preventing further casualties.
The suspect, who holds a temporary residence permit, was arrested shortly after by two female officers and remains in custody. Initial fears of a second attacker led to temporary train disruptions, but police have since confirmed that only one individual was involved.
The attack has intensified Austria’s ongoing political debate on asylum laws. The far-right Freedom Party’s leader, Herbert Kickl, called for a “rigorous crackdown on asylum,” while Peter Kaiser, Carinthia’s regional governor, urged restraint, warning against “hateful” reactions.
The incident comes amid political uncertainty, as President Alexander Van der Bellen considers calling a snap election following the Freedom Party’s failure to form a coalition government.
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