After the terrible attack on February 15th, which claimed the life of a young person and left five people seriously injured, a wave of solidarity is sweeping the city.
The unbelievable, politically motivated violent crime that a Syrian with asylum status committed in downtown Villach on February 15th is shocking. A 14-year-old boy was killed, and five other victims were injured, some seriously. Thanks to the courageous intervention of a Syrian food delivery driver who stopped the attacker with his car, even worse was prevented. Official Villach stood still. Villach is in mourning.
The task force met permanently, and the police increased their presence massively. Offers of help - such as a mourning café for those affected, an analog and digital condolence book. All events, including Carnival, were canceled. A week of mourning was declared. Black flags, a funeral march with thousands of participants, a memorial service and political demands for harsh consequences - i.e. deportation - for refugees who have committed crimes.
A sea of candles
At the scene of the event, a sea of lights from countless candles. And the common will of all to stand together, as a city, as a society, as a community of values. Villach sticks together.