'Terrorist' attack in Vienna, Austria: 15 injured, two civilians and one attacker killed



At least two people have been killed in a shooting in central Austria's capital, Vienna, and several others are feared dead.

Police say several gunmen armed with rifles attacked six locations. According to the Interior Ministry, police are searching for at least one assailant who is still at large.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz called the attack "reprehensible" and said one attacker had been killed.

According to Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig, a civilian was killed near the scene of the shooting, while a woman succumbed to her injuries at a hospital.

Fourteen people are believed to be in hospital, six of them in critical condition.



After the attack the November evening in Vienna police have shut down a street near the square suydynplats

"We are going through a difficult time in our republic," Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Twitter. Our police will take decisive action against the masterminds of this heinous terrorist attack.

"We will never be intimidated by terrorism, and we will fight this attack with all our resources," he added.

What do we know about this attack so far?

The incident took place near the city's main Schweidenplatz Square. Police have appealed to people to stay away from the area and not use public transport.

"I can confirm that this is apparently a terrorist attack," Interior Minister Carl Nehamer told ORF.


Police closed roads suydynplats Square in Vienna

The shooting happened near a synagogue.

A local Jewish community leader said in a tweet that it was not immediately clear if the target was a synagogue. The shrine was closed at the time of the attack. According to a local newspaper, a security guard guarding the shrine was injured in the attack.

Videos posted on social media show people fleeing, with gunshots reported in the background.

An eyewitness told state broadcaster ORF that "we thought it was a firecracker but later realized it was a bullet," an eyewitness told AFP, according to AFP.

Neighboring Czech Republic said it was searching passengers and vehicles on the border between the two countries as a precautionary measure.


French President Emmanuel McChrystal wrote on Twitter that Europe should not "give up" on attacks.

"We, the French people, share the shock and grief of the Austrian people who have been shocked by this evening's attack in the heart of their capital, Vienna," he said. A friend of ours has been attacked since France. This is Europe. Our enemies must know who they are facing.

Last week, three people were killed in a knife attack on a church in the French city of Nice.

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson said in a message to the people of Vienna on Twitter that they were "shocked by today's attacks in Vienna".

He said Britain was united with the Austrian people in the fight against terrorism.

European Council President Charles Michel called it a cowardly act and said it was against life and human values.

This is preliminary news and will be updated as more verified information is received.