Vienna terrorist attack by isis sympathizer
- 2020 - 2020
Identification of the Source
Participation D3.6 De-radicalization programmes and interventions in prisons
Keywords
Islamic Terrorism, ISIS, Vienna shooting, Fake explosive vest, Deradicalization program failureDescription
The terrorist case of the shooter was a series of shootings that occurred on November 2, 2020 in Vienna, Austria. The shooter was a 20-year-old Austrian man of Albanian and North Macedonian descent, who had been convicted in 2019 for attempting to join ISIS in Syria. He was released early on parole in December 2019 and ordered to participate in a deradicalization program.
On the night of the attack, the shooter wore a fake explosive vest and carried an automatic rifle, a handgun, and a machete. He started shooting at people in six locations in the city center, killing four civilians and injuring 23 others, including a police officer. He also posted a video on Instagram declaring his allegiance to ISIS and its leader.
The attack lasted for nine minutes, until the shooter was shot dead by police near a church. The police later found a handwritten note in his apartment, where he expressed his hatred for Austria and its democracy.
The attack was the first major terrorist incident in Austria since 1985, and it shocked the nation and the world. The Austrian authorities declared three days of national mourning and launched an investigation into the attack and its possible accomplices. The investigation revealed that the shooter had tried to buy ammunition for his rifle in Slovakia in July 2020, but the Slovak intelligence service had failed to inform the Austrian counterparts about this attempt.
Type of Crime
Mass shooting, Islamist Terrorism
Modus Operandi
The shooter was a 20-year-old Austrian man of Albanian and North Macedonian descent, who had been convicted in 2019 for attempting to join ISIS in Syria. He was released early on parole in December 2019 and ordered to participate in a deradicalization program.
The shooter wore a fake explosive vest and carried an automatic rifle, a handgun, and a machete. He started shooting at people in six locations in the city center, killing four civilians and injuring 23 others, including a police officer. He also posted a video on Instagram declaring his allegiance to ISIS and its leader.
The attack lasted for nine minutes, until the shooter was shot dead by police near a church. The police later found a handwritten note in his apartment, where he expressed his hatred for Austria and its democracy.
The shooter was motivated by his radicalization and allegiance to ISIS, a violent extremist group that seeks to establish a global caliphate based on a radical interpretation of Islam. He also expressed his resentment and frustration for his failure to establish intimate relationships with women.
The shooter acted alone, but he may have had contacts or support from other radicalized individuals or groups, either online or offline. The investigation revealed that he had tried to buy ammunition for his rifle in Slovakia in July 2020, but the Slovak intelligence service had failed to inform the Austrian counterparts about this attempt.
People involved
The shooter, a 20-year old Austrian man of Albanian and North Macedonian descent, who had been convicted in 2019 for attempting to join ISIS Syria. He was released early on parole in December 2019 and ordered to participate in a deradicalization program. He was shot dead by police after the attack
The four civilians who were killed by the shooter, two women and two men. They were a 21-year-old man originally from North Macedonia, a 24-year-old German student, a 44-year-old Austrian woman, and a 39-year-old Austrian
The 23 others who were wounded by the shooter, including a police officer. Some of them suffered serious or life-threatening injuries.
The police officers who responded to the attack and engaged the shooter in a gunfight. One of them was injured by the shooter, but survived.
The possible accomplices or supporters of the shooter, who may have helped him plan or prepare for the attack, either online or offline. The investigation revealed that the shooter had tried to buy ammunition for his rifle in Slovakia in July 2020, but the Slovak intelligence service had failed to inform the Austrian counterparts about this attempt.
Criminal History
The perpetrator has been convicted in 2019 for attempting to join ISIS in Syria. He was arrested by the Turkish authorities at the border and deported back to Austria where he faced trail.
He was sentenced to 22 months in prison for membership of a terrorist organization, but he was released early on parole in December 2019 under juvenile law. He was ordered to participate in a deradicalization program and to report regularly to a probation officer.
He remained loyal to ISIS and its leader, as he posted a video on Instagram declaring his allegiance before the attack. He also expressed his hatred for Austria and its democracy in a handwritten note found in his apartment.
He had tried to buy ammunition for his rifle in Slovakia in July 2020, but the Slovak intelligence service had failed to inform the Austrian counterparts about this attempt. This was later considered as a major security lapse that could have prevented the attack.
Influential and/or vulnerable Groups
The first-line practitioners (FLPs) who work with vulnerable groups and individuals in the prevention of radicalisation and violent extremism. They are influential because they have a key role and responsibility in identifying, engaging, and supporting those who are at risk of radicalisation or who have already been radicalised.
The Muslim community in Austria and Europe, as well as other minority groups who may face discrimination, hatred, or violence as a result of the attack. They are influential because they have a contribution and a stake in the society and its values. They are also vulnerable because they may experience backlash, marginalisation, or radicalisation as a result of the attack.
ISIS and its affiliates, supporters, and sympathizers. They are influential because they have a global network and a radical ideology that seeks to establish a caliphate based on a violent interpretation of Islam. They are also vulnerable because they face military, political, and social pressure and opposition from various actors and countrie