Five years after the terrorist attack: Remembering the victims in Vienna

Five years after the terrorist attack: Remembering the victims in Vienna

On November 2, 2025, Viennese people will remember the terrible events that took place in the city center five years ago. Four people were killed and 23 were injured, some seriously, in a terrorist attack carried out by an IS attacker. The outcry goes through the city and the sadness for the victims is still palpable even after such a long time. Today the victims are remembered at Desider-Friedmann-Platz, and thoughts are with the bereaved families who have to experience this day anew every year.

The attack occurred on the eve of a nationwide corona lockdown and lasted just nine minutes. During this short period of time, the 20-year-old perpetrator shot randomly at passers-by, starting at Desider-Friedmann-Platz and ending at Seitenstettengasse, where a 44-year-old Austrian woman was fatally injured. It is particularly tragic that a 21-year-old Austrian was killed on the Jerusalem Staircase, while a 24-year-old German lost her life on the Salzgasse.

Remembrance and processing

Although the perpetrator was quickly stopped by the police, this incident highlights serious deficiencies in state security and the defense against terrorism. His accomplices, who helped him with the use of weapons and the preparations, received maximum sentences - three life sentences and one 20-year prison sentence. The psychological consequences of the attack continue to affect the city to this day.

“We cannot and must not forget what happened,” explains a resident who took part in the memorial event. “It is important to give the victims a face and not leave their families alone in their grief.” The discussion about security and counterterrorism is being stirred up again by this anniversary. The assassin's sleight of hand, who repeatedly took up new positions between his shots, shows the complex problem that the authorities have been confronted with since then.

Which is also going around in the league

While the Viennese remember this painful day, events in the sports world continue happily. In the NFL, teams are facing the crucial trade deadline on November 4, 2025. Club managers are busy organizing player changes in order to optimize their rosters. From Joe Flacco, who moved to the Bengals as quarterback, to the Chargers, who secured Odafe Oweh - the reports don't stop. Hot players like Kirk Cousins ​​and Alvin Kamara could also move clubs, which represents an exciting time for some teams.

But fans are also wondering: Who will go? The Seattle Seahawks may not be looking to trade linebacker Boye Mafe, but the rumor mill is sizzling with possible trades that may see the light of day before the deadline.

So Vienna does not stand still in its mourning and at the same time the sporting events. The memorial event and the NFL trade deadline show once again how both personal tragedies and sporting challenges are part of our lives.