Austrian authorities have confirmed that the recent stabbing attack in Villach, which claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and injured five others, was an act of Islamist terrorism.
Officials revealed that the suspect, a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker, was apprehended at the scene.
Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, disclosed that investigators discovered an Islamic State group flag in the suspect’s residence.
State police chief Michaela Kohlweiss further stated that the attacker had pledged allegiance to the militant group.
During a press briefing on Sunday, Karner emphasized the role of online radicalization in the attack, stating, “So those in a position of responsibility, the police, the authorities, must draw the necessary conclusions from that.”
He confirmed that the suspect, who had a valid residence permit, had no prior criminal record and had not been under surveillance by authorities.
Earlier reports suggested he was awaiting a final decision on his asylum status.
The attack unfolded around 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT) near Villach’s main square.
Among the five wounded victims, three remained hospitalized as of Saturday evening, with two in critical condition.
A delivery worker, also a Syrian national, intervened heroically by using his vehicle to stop the assailant, helping to prevent further casualties, according to police reports.
The incident has reignited discussions on Austria’s asylum policies, coinciding with ongoing political uncertainty following last year’s election, where the far-right Freedom Party secured the most votes but has been unable to form a government.
Freedom Party leader, Herbert Kickl, used the attack to push for stricter immigration policies, declaring on Saturday, “Austria needs a ‘rigorous crackdown on asylum.'”
Meanwhile, President Alexander Van der Bellen, is considering his next steps, which could include calling for a snap election, forming a minority government, or seeking an alternative coalition.
