Villach: A Syrian asylum seeker is suspected of carrying out a stabbing spree in Villach, Austria. Authorities believe he was radicalized online and pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS).
One 14-year-old boy died, and five others suffered injuries.
Police arrested the 23-year-old suspect shortly after the attack.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed the discovery of an IS flag in his apartment.
Radicalization Concerns
Officials say the attacker was rapidly influenced by extremist content online.
He reportedly swore loyalty to IS before carrying out the attack.
Authorities believe he acted alone, but investigations continue.
His social media activity suggested growing extremist tendencies.
The incident has reignited fears of online radicalization in Austria.
Previous Threats
Austria recently thwarted a terror plot at a Taylor Swift concert.
In August, a teenager planned a suicide bombing in Vienna.
That suspect had also pledged allegiance to IS before being arrested.
Saturday’s attack follows another violent act in neighboring Germany.
On Thursday, an Afghan man drove into a crowd in Munich, killing two.
Political Fallout
Austria faces political instability following the attack.
The far-right Freedom Party (FPO) has called for stricter immigration policies.
FPO leaders argue such crimes wouldn’t happen without asylum policies.
The party won Austria’s September election but failed to form a coalition.
Centrist parties are now exploring government formation options.
Immigration Debate
FPO leader Herbert Kickl criticized Austria’s immigration laws.
He claimed stricter border control could prevent such crimes.
The party demands deportations to Syria and Afghanistan despite legal barriers.
Austria currently prohibits deportations to conflict-ridden countries.
The attack has intensified public debate over asylum policies.
