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Austria terrorist attack: Manhunt underway after deadly shooting near Vienna synagogue

In Austria, a terrorist attack conducted by Gunmen with rifles launched an unprecedented attack in six different locations in central Vienna.

Several people have been killed and at least 15 hospitalized in what the Chancellor Sebastian Kurz described as a “repulsive terror attack.” One of the gunmen was also killed.

The attack took place near the central synagogue but it is not yet clear if that was the target. In a tweet, Vienna’s police department said that “several shots” were fired, beginning at the central location of Seitenstettengasse, while there were “suspects armed with rifles in six different locations” across the city.

The Austria terrorist attack has been strongly condemned by several European leaders including the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and French President Emmanuel Macron. “We share the shock and sadness of the Austrians after an attack in Vienna. This is our Europe. Our enemies need to know who they are dealing with. We won’t give in to anything,” President Macron tweeted.

The German foreign ministry described the attack as “Terrifying”, adding that “Even if the extent of the terror is not yet known, our thoughts are with the injured and victims in these difficult hours. We must not give way to the hatred that is intended to divide our societies.”

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was “shocked and saddened by the brutal attack that took place in Vienna.”

She added: “My thoughts are with the families of the victims and the Austrian people. Europe stands in full solidarity with Austria. We are stronger than hatred and terror.”

Police are still hunting for the terrorists. “Please don’t stare any rumours, accusations, speculations or unconfirmed numbers of victims – that does not help at all! Stay inside, take shelter, Keep away from public places,” Vienna’s police department said.