Austria attack that killed teen linked to IS, officials say

A stabbing in Villach, Austria, which resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy and left five others injured, has been classified by Austrian officials as an Islamist attack. The incident occurred on Saturday in the town, located near the borders of Italy and Slovenia. A 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker was arrested at the scene. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed that an Islamic State group flag was found in the suspect’s apartment, and state police chief Michaela Kohlweiss reported that the suspect had pledged allegiance to the group.

A stabbing in Villach, Austria, which left a 14-year-old boy dead and five others injured, has been classified as an Islamist attack, Austrian officials confirmed. The attack occurred on Saturday in the town near the borders of Italy and Slovenia. Authorities detained a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker at the scene.

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that an Islamic State group flag was found in the suspect's apartment, and police chief Michaela Kohlweiss reported that the suspect had sworn allegiance to the group. During a news conference on Sunday, Karner described the attack as an "Islamist attack with IS links" carried out by an individual who, based on preliminary investigations, was radicalized online in a short period.

Karner explained that the suspect, who held a valid residence permit, had no criminal history and had not previously been flagged by authorities. He was awaiting a decision on his asylum application. Authorities initially stated the suspect had a temporary residence permit.

The stabbing occurred around 4:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. GMT) near Villach’s main square. Three of the five injured individuals are still in hospital, with two in serious condition as of Saturday evening. A Syrian delivery worker, who drove his vehicle at the attacker, helped prevent further harm.

The attack comes amid an ongoing national debate over asylum laws. In the wake of last year’s election, which saw the far-right Freedom Party make significant gains, party leader Herbert Kickl called for a "rigorous crackdown on asylum." However, despite the party’s success, they have not formed a coalition government, leaving Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen to consider calling a snap election, forming a minority government, or consulting with other parties or experts on the next steps.