Shots Fired at Mosque: No Danger in Surrounding Districts

Following the shootings in Hollabrunn at the entrance area of the mosque of the Association of Albanian Muslims, the Green Party's local office, and a parked car, the police are pursuing "initial concrete leads." The State Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism continues to take the lead in this matter. "From the current perspective, there is no cause for public concern," emphasized police spokesman Johann Baumschlager on Tuesday upon request.

It was also revealed that display cases of the ÖVP and SPÖ in the Weinviertel district town were damaged. Investigations are also underway in this regard, said Baumschlager.

Police: "No Cause for Public Concern"

In general, it is assumed "that the crimes are locally confined," Baumschlager emphasized. "There are currently no indications that the incidents extend beyond the district boundaries. The investigations are specifically focused on the affected area in Hollabrunn." The security situation in the surrounding districts remains unchanged.

"Close cooperation among all responsible departments is ensured. The security authorities continue to consistently take all necessary measures to quickly resolve the incidents," Baumschlager stated. The public was asked to immediately report any suspicious observations to the police via the emergency number 133.

Mosques have been increasingly monitored for years

"Mosques as well as other religious and protective institutions have been increasingly monitored by the executive in the districts of Lower Austria for years," emphasized Baumschlager. The police stations are also "appropriately sensitized" nationwide.

The shot at the mosque of the Association of Albanian Muslims occurred on the night of Sunday, no one was injured. A projectile was secured as well as after a shot at a car parked about one and a half kilometers away on the same night. A forensic investigation of the discovered ammunition was announced. On Monday, two shots at the local office of the Hollabrunn Greens were also reported. Here, Friday to Monday was mentioned as the time frame for the crime.

Gewessler identifies attack on democracy

The shots at the local office of the Greens were described by their federal spokesperson and club chairwoman Leonore Gewessler on Tuesday as "an absolute transgression." "People who work politically and engage for our democracy must be able to do so without fear of violence. Regardless of which party they belong to." If this principle is lost, the "pillars of our democracy" will be shaken, emphasized Gewessler in a statement.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.