Bim Shooting in Vienna in a Drunken and Drugged State: This is Why the 36-Year-Old Pulled the Trigger

After the shot was fired at a carriage of the Vienna tram line 52 on Friday afternoon, the 36-year-old suspect was questioned about his motive. The Pole described it as a "stupid action," saying he did not want to injure anyone. An alcohol test showed 2.2 per mille, and the man is also believed to have consumed psychotropic substances, police spokesman Philipp Haßlinger reported on Saturday.

Shot at Tram Triggered Major Operation in Vienna-Penzing

The large-scale police operation was triggered in Vienna-Penzing after a shot was fired at a tram on line 52. Fortunately, no one was injured. Shortly before 5:00 p.m., a suspect was apprehended. The Pole confessed to firing the shot, and a corresponding small-caliber rifle and a spent cartridge case were found in his apartment.

The police conducted searches in two apartments that were considered for the shooting. The officers found evidence in the second apartment. The suspect had legally possessed the .22 caliber weapon and was discovered in a nearby café and apprehended by WEGA forces.

The shooter, who according to initial police investigations may have shown signs of psychological abnormalities, had lawfully acquired and possessed a rifle. On Friday, after 2:00 p.m., he targeted a tram carriage that was heavily occupied with passengers and fired. The fired projectile pierced a glass pane and, likely due to fortunate circumstances, did not hit any passengers, as a preliminary evaluation of the crime scene traces revealed.

36-Year-Old Arrested for Attempted Murder

The 36-year-old was initially arrested on an arrest warrant from the Vienna public prosecutor's office for attempted murder. He is currently in a detention center. The suspect is already known for substance abuse. "However, he has not previously come to significant police attention," said Haßlinger.

The incident took place at Linzer Straße 150. Images showed a hole in a window of the tram. The corresponding projectile could not be found by the forensic team.

Extensive Road Closures During Operation

All side streets from Hütteldorfer Straße at the level of Zehetnergasse downwards towards Linzer Straße were closed. Linzer Straße was also closed from number 151 to number 214. Two armored special vehicles were also temporarily stationed there.

In addition to district forces and the standby unit, the special units Vienna Task Force Alarm Department (WEGA) and Eko Cobra were also involved. Members of the Vienna professional fire brigade were also on standby to assist the police with apartment openings.

Suspect in Pre-Trial Detention

The Regional Court for Criminal Matters has imposed pre-trial detention on the suspect. Court spokeswoman Christina Salzborn announced this on Sunday afternoon. The reason for detention was assumed to be the risk of committing an offense, Salzborn told the APA.

The accused repeated before the judge the statements he had already made to the police after his arrest. It was a "stupid action," he said, he did not intend to injure anyone. The man was not represented by a lawyer at the detention hearing, and the pre-trial detention order is not legally binding. The accused has the right to file a complaint against it, which he would have to submit within three days.

(APA/Red)

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