Commemoration of the victims of the terrorist attack in Vienna

Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig commemorated the victims of the terrorist attack in Vienna on November 2, 2024. “On this day, our thoughts are with the victims and their families. On the night of November 2nd, an Islamist terrorist tried to attack our basic democratic values ​​and divide society. But this night also showed that we are a strong and courageous society that takes decisive action against terrorism. People who happened to be out and about in the city, hundreds of police officers – who came into action without being asked and voluntarily, but also the emergency service organizations with their numerous volunteers – they were all and are part of a strong civil society,” emphasized Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.

“Today we remember the victims of November 2, 2020 with deep sympathy and sadness. Four innocent lives were violently and senselessly extinguished, but their memory remains. May their loss motivate us to protect freedom, preserve our values ​​and overcome hatred through solidarity. In memory of the four victims, we renew our promise to stand up as a defensive democracy to protect our fellow citizens – for an Austria and a world without any form of terror,” said Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

2,500 police officers on duty – 1,000 of them volunteers

The wreath-laying ceremony was also used to once again thank the numerous emergency services who were deployed on the night of terror, as well as all the helpers. “Most Viennese still remember exactly where they were that evening four years ago. Because the night of November 2nd, 2020 deeply shook our city. But Vienna will not allow itself to be brought to its knees by terrorism. In our city, people stick together – hate and violence have no place here! Today, as then, our thoughts are with the victims and the survivors,” added Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig.

More than 2,500 police officers from the state police departments of Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Burgenland and Styria were on duty on the night of November 2nd to 3rd, 2020. These included employees of WEGA, Cobra, the Federal Criminal Police Office, the defusing service and the Vienna Police Academy. Over 1,000 police officers took their free time to work that evening to support their colleagues and ensure the safety of the people of Vienna.