Austria: Death toll rises to five following shootings in Vienna as security operations continue November 3 /update 3

Event

Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer confirmed on Tuesday morning, November 3, that the death toll from the attack in Vienna on Monday evening, November 2, has risen to five. At least 15 people are also reported to have been injured in the shootings, at least seven seriously, and one attacker was shot dead by police. In the early hours of the morning, at least one suspect was reported to still be at large, whilst a number of other suspects and associates have been arrested.

Security operations are ongoing in Vienna as of Tuesday morning and Vienna Police have are continuing to urge people to stay at home and avoid public transport. Public transport is no longer stopping in central Vienna, and roadblocks have been set up around the city center. Police have launched an operation involving over 1000 officers in the city center to search for other attackers. Military personnel have also been deployed to guard key locations around the city as police continue to search for further suspects.

Authorities have also announced that there will be no compulsory schooling in Vienna on November 3.

A heightened security presence and associated disruptions to transportation are likely in Vienna in the near term while police carry out operations.

Context

Reports indicate that shots were fired in the first district of Vienna (Innere Stadt) in the Seitenstettengasse area at around 20:00 (local time) on November 2. Austria's Federal Ministry of the Interior has called the incident a "terrorist attack" and the shootings were reportedly carried out by several gunmen, and six different locations. The attacks occurred on the final night before a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown was due to come into force in the city.

Advice

Those in Vienna are advised to avoid the area of the incident, monitor the situation, and heed all instructions issued by local authorities.