Austrian officials have declared that a stabbing that killed a 14-year-old boy and injured five others was an Islamist attack.
Three of the injured are still in critical condition following the Saturday attack in Villach, a town close to the Slovenian and Italian borders, according to authorities.
Murder and attempted murder charges have been brought against a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker who was arrested at the scene.
The suspect had sworn allegiance to the Islamic State group, according to state police chief Michaela Kohlweiss, while interior minister Gerhard Karner reported that an Islamic State group flag had been discovered in the suspect’s apartment.
“Islamist attack with IS links by an attacker who, according to the investigations so far, was obviously radicalized online, via the internet, within a very short space of time,” Karner said during a press conference on Sunday.
“Therefore, the authorities, police, and those in positions of responsibility must make the appropriate deductions from that.”
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According to Karner, the suspect had never drawn the notice of authorities before, had a valid residency permit, and had no criminal history.
According to earlier reports, the suspect was awaiting a decision on his asylum application and had a temporary residence permit.
The attack happened close to the town’s main square at approximately 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT).
Officials verified the ages of the injured on Sunday: Two victims were 15 years old, while the other victims were 28, 32, and 36 years old. One is Turkish, and the other five are Austrian.
One is stable, three are in critical care, and one is undergoing outpatient therapy.
According to police, a delivery worker—also a Syrian man—helped stop additional injuries by directing his car at the assailant.
A national debate over asylum laws and an election last year that saw the far-right Freedom Party win for the first time coincide with the attack.
Alexander Van der Bellen, the president of Austria, is considering calling a snap election, forming a minority government, or inviting other parties or a group of experts to try and form an administration after the party was unable to form a coalition government.
In response to the Villach attack, Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl declared on Saturday that Austria requires a “rigorous crackdown on asylum”.
Karner called for screening of specific groups, including Syrian and Afghan asylum seekers, and said on Sunday that “legal reforms” were necessary for police and authorities.
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