The World Police Counter-Terrorism Organisation CTO wishes to express its condolences to the families of the victims and its unreserved support to the competent authorities in the fight against terrorism. The situation that unfolded so rapidly in Vienna shows that, however careful they are, the authorities cannot always prevent a terrorist attack when the perpetrators of such terrible acts are determined and convinced of their aim. Based on information available in the media, CTO President Dragan Pantić describes this terrorist attack as an insidious act that waited for a difficult moment for Austria during the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to surprise and frighten the public. There are also reports that the suspects wore white clothing, symbolising their view of the “purity” of their faith. We encountered this kind of belief in 2017, when people responsible for spreading these dangerous ideas of radical Islam and takfiri ideology – the division into good and bad believers – were arrested in Austria and later released due to a serious failure of the prosecution. A link between these radical groups in Austria should not be ruled out.
We hope that the security services will uncover the full background of this crime and strike a blow against terrorist cells in Europe, so that such tragic events are not repeated.
Dragan Pantić, President of the World Police Counter-Terrorism Organisation CTO.
