Published 11:14 IST, November 3rd 2020
Vienna Synagogue shooting: Trump, Pompeo stand in solidarity with Austria; condemn attack
Following reports of Vienna synagogue shooting, the US President Donald Trump and Mike Pompeo condemned the incident and expressed solidarity
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Following reports of Vienna synagogue shooting, the US President Donald Trump and senior US Official Mike Pompeo condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with Austria. The recent attack has shocked the world as it is the third terror attack on European soil in less than a week. The Austrian police have informed that several people were injured and officers were out in force following gunfire in the capital Vienna on November 2.
Our prayers are with the people of Vienna after yet another vile act of terrorism in Europe. These evil attacks against innocent people must stop. The U.S. stands with Austria, France, and all of Europe in the fight against terrorists, including radical Islamic terrorists.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2020
The U.S. strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Vienna. We express our deepest sympathy to the families of those killed and wounded. We affirm our support for the police and first responders, and stand in solidarity with the people of Austria.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) November 3, 2020
As per Associated Press reports, Vienna authorities said the terror attack has left at least two dead — including one of the assailants — and 15 wounded. One of the attackers, who is believed to had accomplices, is reported to have been killed. The reports further stated that about 50 shots were fired in the street near the synagogue.
Austrian interior minister Karl Nehammer spoke on ORF TV and confirmed that police are still fighting the presumed terrorists. The latest police reports inform that the Stadttempel synagogue was one of the six locations attacked in what seems like a planned assault. It’s yet to be confirmed if these were coordinated simultaneous attacks.
Police expands manhunt
Meanwhile, Vienna police force has expanded its manhunt for synagogue shooting attackers outside of city limits. Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer in a press briefing said the attackers were "heavily armed and dangerous." Vienna police have urgently asked people to exercise restrain and not share videos or photographs of the event on the internet. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz had earlier informed of army deployment in the city to allow Vienna police to focus on their anti-terror efforts.
While the initial reports suggested the attack was at the Stadttempel synagogue, President of the Israelite Religious Society in Austria Oskar Deutsch has confirmed the temple and nearby offices were closed at the time. In a series of tweets, Deutsch said that the shooting was in the immediate vicinity of the synagogue and urged people not to spread unverified information, stay indoors, and follow police instructions.
11:15 IST, November 3rd 2020