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.
Toronto, ON – A hit-and-run collision on the campus of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) left four pedestrians injured Tuesday afternoon, prompting an active investigation by the Toronto Police Service.
The incident occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. in the area of Nelson Mandela Walk near Yonge Street and Gerrard Street East, a busy pedestrian thoroughfare on the university campus.
Toronto Police from 51 Division responded to reports of a vehicle striking multiple individuals.
Upon arrival, officers located four injured pedestrians.
Toronto Paramedic Services confirmed that two of the victims were transported to hospital.
One individual sustained serious injuries, while the extent of the second victim’s injuries remains undetermined. The remaining two victims were assessed at the scene and did not require hospitalization.
Authorities said the suspect vehicle—a dark green sedan with a cracked windshield and unknown licence plate—fled the scene.
It was last seen traveling eastbound on Gould Street toward Church Street.
The collision site has been secured, and investigators are actively reviewing surveillance footage and collecting witness statements as part of their ongoing investigation.
The vehicle involved did not remain at the scene, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in identifying the driver.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Toronto Police Service at 416-808-5500 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.