Six years after the terrorist attack on November 2, 2020, Vienna commemorated the four people killed and the numerous injured on Monday. A solemn wreath-laying ceremony took place at Desider-Friedmann-Platz in downtown Vienna. Among the participants were Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), and Vienna’s Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ). A memorial event is also planned for the evening of November 2, 2026, at the place where the night of terror began six years ago.

The attack occurred on the evening of November 2, 2020, in Vienna’s Bermuda Triangle. A 20-year-old supporter of the terrorist militia „Islamic State“ opened fire on passersby in the busy city center. Four people were murdered, and 23 others were injured. The attacker was shot by the police. The act shook Vienna just a few hours before the start of a new Corona lockdown.

The official memorial event began on Monday at 12:30 PM at Desider-Friedmann-Platz in the first district. In addition to representatives of the federal government and the city of Vienna, high-ranking police officials also participated, including Federal Police Director Michael Takács and Vienna’s State Police President Gerhard Pürstl.

Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler emphasized at the event that remembrance also brings responsibility. He referred to the planned modernization of the Crime Victims Act, which aims to provide higher compensation and more support for psychological burdens.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner recalled that the attack triggered numerous changes within the police and the intelligence service. Mayor Michael Ludwig highlighted the solidarity of the Viennese population. The events showed how determined the city community is to oppose hate and terror.

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen also remembered the victims and thanked those who risked their lives at the time to protect others.

In addition to the official wreath-laying ceremony, another memorial event is announced for Monday evening at Desider-Friedmann-Platz. At 7:45 PM, approximately at the time when the attack began six years ago, the Vienna choir Kördölör will conduct the commemoration under the title „A lark born only for you“.

The event is intended to be dedicated to the victims and all those affected. With singing and a moment of silence, the events of November 2, 2020, will be remembered. The choir was founded in 2009, is based in the second district of Vienna, and unites members from the arts and culture.

Desider-Friedmann-Platz holds special significance for the commemoration. In its immediate vicinity, the attack began shortly before 8 PM. A few minutes later, the act ended in the area of Ruprechtsplatz. The place has since been closely associated with the memory of the victims.

The anniversary is not only for the four fatalities. The injured, their relatives, and the people who provided help at the time are also at the center of the commemoration. During the attack, passersby, local employees, and emergency services tried to bring other people to safety and help the injured.

The terrorist attack led to an intense examination of the security authorities and the handling of Islamist extremism in Austria. In the following years, the structures of state protection and counter-terrorism were changed.

Six years after the act, November 2 remains a day of remembrance for Vienna. With the wreath-laying at noon and the announced musical commemoration in the evening, those people whose lives were ended or permanently changed by the attack are remembered.

(APA/Red)

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