World
Austria: Villach knife attacker identified as 23-year-old Syrian man
Villach, Austria – A 23-year-old man went on a stabbing spree in the southern Austrian city of Villach on Saturday afternoon, fatally wounding a 14-year-old boy and injuring four others before being detained by authorities, police confirmed.
According to Austrian police, the suspect—a Syrian national with legal residence in Austria—attacked five passersby in an unprovoked assault in the city’s downtown area.
The victims, all male and between the ages of 14 and 32, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
A 42-year-old man, who was driving past the scene, intervened by using his vehicle to block the suspect’s movement, helping to prevent further harm, police spokesperson Rainer Dionisio told Austria’s public broadcaster ORF.
Despite efforts by emergency responders, the 14-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries, while two others sustained serious wounds, and two suffered minor injuries.
Law enforcement has yet to establish a clear motive behind the attack and is actively investigating the suspect’s background and potential connections.
“We have to wait until we get secure information,” Dionisio stated.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects and are continuing their search for any potential accomplices.
The stabbing spree has left the residents of Villach in shock, with local officials expressing deep concern over the incident.
Carinthia Governor Peter Kaiser extended his condolences to the family of the teenage victim, calling the attack “an outrageous atrocity that must be met with harsh consequences.”
He further emphasized that “those who live in Carinthia, in Austria, must respect the law and adhere to our rules and values.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further details as they become available.
World
Active shooter alert issued in town of Grand Falls-Windsor: Shots fired, no word on casualties
GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NL – As of 9:25 p.m., the Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP has provided an update regarding an ongoing investigation into what is believed to be a targeted shooting incident in the community.
Authorities confirm that shots were fired earlier this evening, prompting an active shooter alert and a shelter-in-place advisory for residents.
Although no injuries have been reported, the suspect remains at large, and the RCMP continues to maintain an increased police presence in the area.
The initial alert advised residents within the area bounded by Lincoln Road, Scott Avenue, Goodyear Avenue, and Riverview Road to shelter in place, avoid opening their doors, and report any suspicious activity.
Residents were also warned of an unidentified man armed with a firearm, last seen on Suvla Road.
While the shelter-in-place advisory has now been lifted, police are continuing their investigation and urge residents to remain vigilant.
Anyone with information, or who witnesses any suspicious activity, is asked to immediately contact the Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP at 709-489-2121.
Authorities have not released further details about the suspect or potential motive at this time, though they believe the incident was targeted rather than random.
Local officials and community members have expressed concern and support for both residents and first responders working through the evening to ensure public safety and bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.