Vienna: At least three people were killed, including a gunman, and 14 others injured in shootings in the Austrian capital of Vienna, just hours before a national lockdown was to come into force against the Covid-19 pandemic, authorities said on Tuesday.
According to the police, the shootings took place in six different locations at about 8 p.m. on Monday, near the Seitenstettengasse synagogue, when a suspect, armed with an automatic rifle, a pistol and a machete, opened fire on people outside bars and restaurants which have now been closed until the end of this month as per the new lockdown rules, the BBC reported.
Members of the special forces arrived at the scene shortly, and managed to shoot the perpetrator.
It was not immediately clear how many attackers were involved in the shooting, but the Interior Ministry said that the police were searching for at least one suspect, who is absconding.
According to local media reports, one person has been arrested.
In a statement, Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig confirmed that while one of the victims died on the spot, the other succumbed to her injuries in a hospital later.
Of the 14 injured, which includes a police officer, six were in critical condition, he added.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz confirmed that one gunman was killed in the “repulsive terror attack”, but did not provide any other details.
“We are experiencing difficult hours in our republic”, the BBC quoted Kurz as saying on Twitter, adding that the army would take over the security of major buildings in Vienna.
“Our police will act decisively against the perpetrators of this hideous terrorist attack. We will never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned shootings in multiple locations in Vienna, saying India “stands with Austria during this tragic time”.
“Deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna. India stands with Austria during this tragic time. My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” the Prime Minister said in a tweet.
