Knife attack in Villach: 14-year-old dies-perpetrator caught!

Knife attack in Villach: 14-year-old dies-perpetrator caught!

On February 16, 2025, a tragic knife attack occurred in Villach, Austria, in which a 14-year-old adolescent was killed. Three other people had to be treated intensive medicine due to serious injuries, while two people suffered minor injuries. The attack, which took place on Saturday afternoon in the city center, not only employs the investigative authorities, but also the population, since it focuses on growing violence through knife attacks in Austria.

The alleged attacker, a 23-year-old man from Syria, used a folding knife with a blade length of ten centimeters as a murder weapon. A brave food supplier, also from Syria and 42 years old, intervened during the attack and stopped the attacker by driving him with his vehicle. However, this brave use initially led to misunderstandings: eyewitnesses incorrectly held the food deliverer for the attacker and hit his car, which further tightened the critical situation. The attacker was arrested by the police shortly afterwards.

political reactions and press conference

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced a press conference for 11:30 a.m. to comment on the background of the crime. So far, however, there is no secure information about possible motifs of the attacker. The police have started investigations and checks all relevant aspects of the incident.

The incidents in Villach are part of a worrying trend: the number of violent crimes with stab weapons rose significantly compared to ten years ago. According to data from the Federal Criminal Police Office, there were still 1,524 acts displayed in 2013, while in 2022 there were already 2,393 attacks. In addition, from 2016 to 2022, the figures constantly had between 2,100 and 2,500 fluctuations, which illustrates the urgency of the topic. In contrast, violent acts with firearms have shown a decline since 2017.

measures against knife power

Minister Karner is aware of the increasing threat of knife attacks and therefore plans a legislative proposal for a general ban on weapons in public space. Experts from the Ministry of the Interior and the State Police Directions were commissioned to develop the details of such a ban, which could also include a possible prohibition of carrying out certain knives. At the moment, security authorities already have the option of issuing specific weapon ban zones.

The knife attack in Villach is not only a shocking individual event, but also raises fundamental questions about the security and protection of citizens in Austria. The company is eagerly awaiting the results of the investigation and the planned political measures.