A tragic stabbing attack in Austria has left a 14-year-old boy dead and five others injured. The shocking incident took place on Saturday, February 15, in the city of Villach, where a 23-year-old man was arrested shortly after the attack. According to reports from multiple news outlets, including the Associated Press, ABC News, and the BBC, a civilian helped authorities apprehend the suspect.
The attack happened near the city’s main square, where the suspect, a Syrian national living in Austria, allegedly used a folding knife to stab three teenage boys and three men, aged 28, 32, and 36. Witnesses say the attack unfolded near food stands around 4 p.m. local time, creating chaos in the usually busy area.
One of the victims, a 42-year-old food delivery worker, saw the attack from his vehicle and quickly intervened. He drove toward the suspect, helping authorities detain him. The suspect has been charged with murder and attempted murder, according to reports.
Austria’s President, Alexander Van der Bellen, addressed the tragedy on social media, describing it as “horrific.” He expressed his condolences, saying, “No words can undo the suffering, the horror, the fear. My thoughts are with the family of the deceased victim and the injured.”
As of Sunday, February 16, officials confirmed that two victims were seriously injured, while two others remained in the hospital. Another victim sustained minor injuries.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner revealed that the suspect may have been influenced by extremist ideology, stating that he had “radicalized himself within a very short time via the internet.” A search of his home uncovered an Islamic State flag, raising concerns about possible connections to the group. However, authorities confirmed that the suspect had no prior criminal record and was legally residing in Austria on a valid residence permit.
Austria has a Syrian refugee population of approximately 100,000, and reports indicate that the suspect was seeking asylum in the country. The investigation into the attack is ongoing as authorities work to determine his full motives and background.
