VIENNA (AP) – The city of Villach, located in southern Austria, is reeling from a tragic incident in which a man stabbed six passersby in broad daylight. The attack, which resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to five others, has raised concerns regarding migration and public safety. Authorities are investigating the motive behind this horrific act.
The incident occurred on Saturday, February 15, 2025, prompting residents to pay their respects at the crime scene, where candles were placed as a memorial. Young friends of the deceased boy gathered to mourn and remember him, demonstrating the tight-knit nature of the community, which has a population of around 60,000. Local media reported on the emotional scene, highlighting the community's shock and sorrow.
The 23-year-old suspect, a Syrian national with a residence permit in Austria, was apprehended shortly after the assault. According to police spokesperson Rainer Dionisio, a 42-year-old Syrian man who witnessed the attack from his vehicle intervened, helping to prevent further violence. This response has been acknowledged as a heroic act in the face of chaos.
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen condemned the attack as “horrific,” expressing his empathy for the victims' families on social media platform X. He emphasized that no words can alleviate the pain caused by such violence. In a statement, the Free Syrian Community of Austria distanced itself from the attack, offering condolences to the victims' families and reiterating that individuals who disrupt societal peace do not represent the broader community of Syrians seeking refuge in Austria.
While the police continue to investigate the suspect's background, no clear motive has been established. Villach is typically known for its serene atmosphere and tourism, particularly its annual carnival processions. However, following the deadly incident, local authorities decided to cancel a scheduled carnival event, underscoring the impact of the tragedy on the community.
The Austrian Ministry of Interior has initiated measures to gather evidence from the public, encouraging witnesses to submit any videos or photographs taken during the attack. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner held a press conference on Sunday in Villach, where local officials announced the provision of crisis response teams to support students returning to school on Monday after the incident.
The victims of the stabbing were all men, with reports indicating that two suffered serious injuries while two others sustained minor wounds. As the community mourns, leaders such as Peter Kaiser, the governor of Carinthia, spoke out, calling for strict consequences for the assailant and emphasizing the importance of respecting Austrian laws and values.
The attack has stirred political discourse, with far-right leader Herbert Kickl expressing outrage and calling for stricter asylum policies to prevent such incidents. He attributed the attack to systemic failures within the political framework that he believes have allowed violent crimes to proliferate. Conservative party leader Christian Stocker echoed the sentiment, advocating for justice and highlighting the need for political measures to ensure the safety of Austrian citizens.
Social Democratic leader Andreas Babler commented on the tragedy, stating that such acts of violence should not occur in society. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about immigration policies, public safety, and the responsibility of authorities to safeguard communities against violence.
