Fatal Stabbing Spree in Austrian City of Villach Leaves Teenager Dead, Four Injured
A 23-year-old Syrian national with legal residence in Austria went on a stabbing spree in the southern Austrian city of Villach on Saturday afternoon, leaving a 14-year-old boy dead and four others injured, police confirmed.
The unprovoked attack occurred in the city’s downtown area, where the suspect targeted five male passersby, aged 14 to 32. A 42-year-old man intervened by using his vehicle to block the suspect’s movement, preventing further harm.
Despite emergency responders’ efforts, the 14-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries. Two others sustained serious wounds, and two suffered minor injuries.
Law enforcement is investigating the suspect’s background and potential connections, but a clear motive behind the attack has yet to be established.
“We have to wait until we get secure information,” police spokesperson Rainer Dionisio stated.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects and are continuing their search for potential accomplices.
The incident has left Villach residents in shock, with local officials expressing deep concern. Carinthia Governor Peter Kaiser extended condolences
to the victim’s family, calling the attack “an outrageous atrocity that must be met with harsh consequences.”
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further details as they become available.