Switzerland: Police arrest two near Zurich over Vienna attack November 3

Event

Police have arrested two Swiss citizens in Winterthur, northeast of Zurich, on Tuesday, November 3, in connection with the fatal shooting which occurred in Vienna (Austria) on Monday, November 2, which resulted in at least five fatalities and multiple casualties. Reports indicate that in coordination with Austrian authorities, the Zurich cantonal police arrested an 18- year old and a 24-year old, both of whom are Swiss citizens. The extent to which the connection between the two people arrested and the alleged gunmen is currently the subject of ongoing investigations.

Zurich cantonal police have heightened security in Jewish communities in the Zurich canton. Additional security presence is likely across the country in the near term. Associated disruptions are also likely.

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 Switzerland are advised to monitor the situation and heed all instructions issued by local authorities.