Five years after the terrorist attack: Vienna remembers the victims of the Bermuda Triangle

Five years after the terrorist attack: Vienna remembers the victims of the Bermuda Triangle

November 2, 2025 marks the fifth anniversary of the terrible terrorist attack in downtown Vienna, which shocked not only the city but all of Austria. In this cowardly attack, four people lost their lives and more than 20 others were injured when a 20-year-old Islamist opened fire on passers-by in the popular “Bermuda Triangle,” a popular nightlife district, on November 2, 2020. The perpetrator was caught and killed by the police after just nine minutes.

To remember the dead and support those affected, a memorial event took place today at Desider-Friedmann-Platz near the site of the attack. Among the guests are many high-ranking political representatives, including Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler from the SPÖ and Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig, also from the SPÖ. Former Chancellor Karl Nehammer from the ÖVP also insisted on being present at this honorable occasion.

Political representation and absence

In addition, numerous other personalities were present, including Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) and National Council member Martina von Künsberg Sarre from the Neos. The General Director of Public Security, Franz Ruf, and the State Police Chief Gerhard Pürstl were also part of the ceremony. Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, who was unable to take part in the memorial event due to back surgery, also made clear statements.

“Today we commemorate the victims and show the bereaved that our thoughts are with them,” said Ludwig at the event. Regardless of political differences, it is important to stand together against terrorism and for a safe society, said Babler. This highly emotional speech was very well received and showed that despite the darkness of what happened at the time, there remains hope for peaceful coexistence.

Memory and reflection

The attack left deep scars and continues to be a topical issue for many Viennese and many Austrians. The commemorations are not just rituals, but an expression of solidarity and a strong will to support one another. Safety in the city center was and remains an important issue - an issue that concerns us all and is on the agenda every time we visit the usual nightlife areas.

You can find more information about the event and the background to the attack on the website courier and ORF Vienna.