A 23-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing five people at random in southern Austria, killing one victim and injuring four others. Authorities described the incident as 'shocking urban violence' during a press conference Wednesday evening.
Police spokesperson Markus Weber stated:
'The suspect acted alone and showed no discernible pattern in targeting victims across three districts of Graz.'
The attacks occurred during evening rush hour in Austria's second-largest city. Key developments:
- First responders treated victims aged 19-57 at scene
- Authorities sealed off the historic city center
- Anti-terror units briefly mobilized before confirming non-political motives
Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as pedestrians fled through shopping districts. 'He just appeared from an alleyway, slashing at anyone nearby,' one survivor told local media.
This marks Austria's worst random knife attack since 2021 reforms strengthened public surveillance systems. Security experts now debate whether current monitoring protocols need revision to prevent similar tragedies.