Five people have been killed and several wounded in a terrorist attack in central Vienna, Austria. An armed man identified as an Islamic State (ISIS) supporter was shot dead by the police. It is not clear if the shooter was alone or with others, but shots were reported from six different locations near Vienna's main synagogue. 1,000 police officers have spread across the city to look for other possible shooters. Witnesses said that crowded bars were targeted. The bars were crowded as many people were out to enjoy the last evening before the start of the nationwide lockdown at midnight to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Several people posted videos of the shooting and its aftermath. Videos circulated on social media showed a gunman running down a cobblestone street shooting and shouting. One showed a man gunning down a person outside a bar.

Other videos showed people running for cover or hiding behind obstacles as shots echoed through the streets, and heavily armed police officers taking up positions. Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said, “We experienced an attack yesterday evening by at least one Islamist terrorist. We never had a similar situation for decades. We have values and basic rights, with freedom of speech, laws and we accept and adjust with diverse people of different faiths and religions.” Condolences poured in from around the world, with top officials from the European Union, France, Norway, Greece and the United States expressing their shock at the attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a tweet, “our prayers are with the people of Vienna. These evil attacks against innocent people must stop. The U.S. stands with Austria, France, and all of Europe in the fight against terrorists.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was saddened by the terror attacks in Vienna and said that India stands with Austria during this tragic time.

Tags

• Vienna
• Austria
• Terrorist
• Attack

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