On Monday, June 20, 2015, a tragic event shook the city of Graz: a shooting spree in which a 26-year-old driver drove a green SUV, a Daewoo Rexton, onto Griesplatz and further through the city center. The devastating trip began at 12:15 p.m. and ended in front of the police station on Schmiedgasse, where the driver, Alen R., was arrested. Tragically, three people, including a four-year-old child, were killed, while 36 other people were injured, some seriously. These incidents raise questions about the security situation in Austria and the political reaction in Vienna is correspondingly concerned. My district reports that the reactions of Viennese politics to this terrible event will be comprehensively analyzed.

The rampage was investigated by investigative authorities such as the police, Interpol and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution in order to clarify possible religious motives. Alen R., who fled to Austria with his parents to escape the Bosnian War, had already been reported for domestic violence. During the trial he claimed that he had acted out of fear and recanted his originally stated religious beliefs. A report diagnosed schizophrenia and personality disorders. On September 29, 2016, Alen R. received a life sentence after being found sane. On September 23, 2023, he was found dead in his cell; Suicide is assumed.

Political reactions and the long road to justice

The political reaction to this incident was overwhelming. Numerous voices immediately formed in Vienna calling for a preventative approach to the issue of security and violence in society. The memory of the victims of this rampage was expressed in commemorative events, including a memorial mass and a memorial march in Graz, in which many people and political representatives took part. This shows that society has not forgotten this incident and still needs a good hand in dealing with it.

But it's not just the shooting rampage in Graz that is at the center of social discussions. An analysis of the crime situation in Austria shows alarming figures in 2023: around 528,000 crimes were reported, which is the highest level since 2016. In Vienna, over a third of these offenses occurred, which worries many Viennese people. Statista reports that Drug crime and cybercriminal activities in particular are on the rise.

Critics also question the investigation into the shooting. The inadequate review of information and evidence is criticized. Whether there is a connection between this incident and rising crime rates remains the subject of intense public debate. 85% of Austrians believe that immigrants increase crime problems, which contributes to a tense social climate.

Vienna security policy: A critical look ahead

The security situation in Vienna is taken seriously by the city government, and there are repeated political initiatives aimed at combating rising crime. There is an increasing desire among the population for the police to take greater action against Islamist terror and organized crime. My district summarizes that 77% of the population has trust in the police, but questions arise about the effectiveness of the measures.

With the terrible rampage and the associated consequences, the issue of public safety will not come to rest. Viennese politicians are required to find acceptable and effective approaches to counteract crime and address the concerns of citizens. A topic that will remain very popular in the future.