On Sunday, Austria’s security services reported that Austrian police had arrested three suspects who were allegedly planning an attack on the Gay Pride parade in Vienna. The event, which took place on June 17 and was attended by approximately 300,000 people, was considered a possible target by the suspects. The detainees, Austrian citizens between 14 and 20 years of age, have not been officially identified but are known to have Bosnian and Chechen family origins. One of them had already been under investigation in the past for terrorist association, although the case was closed by the relevant prosecutor’s office.
According to the Viennese authorities, the three individuals sympathized with the Islamic State and shared extremist content on the Internet. In addition, during searches following the arrests, they were found to be in possession of items prohibited under Austrian weapons legislation. Austria’s head of national intelligence, Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, stressed the importance of the timely and successful intervention of the security forces, which succeeded in defusing the potential danger to the Vienna Pride parade and ensuring the safety of all participants.
This incident highlights the continuing threat of extremism and terrorism, as well as the need for constant vigilance and an effective response by the authorities. The investigations and arrests made reinforce efforts to protect the safety and well-being of the community, highlighting the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and citizen participation in preventing and reporting suspicious activity.