Vienna
Possibly attack on “rainbow parade” foiled: three arrests on suspicion of terrorism
Visitors celebrate at the conclusion of the 27th “Rainbow Parade” at Rathausplatz. Immediately before the event, the police arrested three young men who are said to have planned an attack on the parade.
© Eva Manhart/APA/DPA
300,000 people took part in the “Rainbow Parade” in Vienna on Saturday. A day after the parade, the security authorities are now reporting that they may have foiled a terrorist attack on the demonstration. Several weapons were found.
In Vienna, according to the security authorities, the police may have foiled a terrorist attack on the “Rainbow Parade” on Saturday. Immediately before the event, which was attended by more than 300,000 people, three suspects who are said to have planned an attack were arrested, the state security DSN reported on Sunday. It was a 14-year-old and two 17- and 20-year-old men with Austrian citizenship who sympathized with the terrorist militia Islamic State (IS), said the head of the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence, Omar Haijawi-Pirchner.
There were concrete preparatory actions. However, due to the close monitoring of the trio, which had been observed for a long time, there was no danger to the visitors. Due to the risk assessment prepared by the DSN in advance, the Vienna State Police Headquarters was deployed with an increased number of forces at the major event.
Found sabers, axes, gas pistols, throwing stars and knives
“Through the successful and timely intervention, we managed to defuse the moment of danger for Vienna Pride and to ensure the safety of all participants,” emphasized DSN Director Haijawi-Pirchner.
Extensive evidence was secured during house searches on Saturday. According to the DSN, sabres, an axe, gas pistols, throwing stars and knives were found. An evaluation of electronic data carriers is currently in progress.
The “Rainbow Parade” on Vienna’s Ringstrasse once again set an example for the rights of LGBTIQ people. The train took place for the 27th time. The participants in such events in particular always represented an intense enemy image for many “Islamist or right-wing extremist scenes,” said the head of the Vienna State Police, Gerhard Pürstl.
Sources: DPA news agency, DSN press release