Austria is reeling after a stabbing attack left one teenager dead and five others injured. On February 15, police arrested a 23-year-old Syrian national in Villach after a civilian intervened. The suspect allegedly used a folding knife to stab six victims near the city’s main square.
The victims were three teenage boys and three men aged 28, 32, and 36. Authorities said the suspect had a possible connection to the Islamic State group and was radicalized online.
Austria has a large Syrian refugee population of around 100,000 people. The suspect, who had a valid residence permit, was seeking asylum. He is accused of murder and attempted murder.
President Alexander Van der Bellen condemned the attack, calling it “horrific” and expressing sympathy for the victim’s family and injured victims. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that the suspect’s apartment contained an Islamic State flag, which he said suggested radicalization via online activity.
Five of the injured victims were in serious condition, two others remained hospitalized, and one had minor injuries. The incident has sent shockwaves through Austria, with mourners gathering to pay their respects near the crime scene on February 16.
Source: https://people.com/teen-killed-and-5-people-injured-in-austria-stabbing-attack-11680743