Knife attack in Esterházypark: Homeless man flees!

Knife attack in Esterházypark: Homeless man flees!

On June 26, 2025, there was a shocking incident in Esterházypark in Vienna's Mariahilf district that stirred emotions. Two homeless people got into a heated argument over a vodka bottle. A 30-year-old man was seriously injured with a knife by a 52-year-old Lithuanian. The victim received first aid and then had to be taken to hospital by the Vienna emergency services. What is particularly remarkable: The 30-year-old had passed an alcohol test that showed a blood alcohol level of 5.2 per mille. Despite the high alcohol level, he was able to identify the perpetrator, reports oe24.

The police were alerted after the incident, but the perpetrator was not immediately arrested. Two days later, the victim came forward again and told officers that he had spotted the attacker in a nearby park. The police were then able to arrest the 52-year-old and discovered that he had a kitchen knife in his backpack. He was transferred to a correctional facility. These incidents are part of a larger problem in German and Austrian crime statistics, which have recorded increasing violent crime in recent years.

Violent crime crisis

Police crime statistics show that violent crime is also a serious issue in Austria that is increasingly coming into focus. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office statistics from 2024, violent crime in Germany rose by 1.5% to around 217,000 cases, the highest level since 2007. Even if violent crimes make up less than 4% of all recorded crimes, they have a significant impact on the population's sense of security, as the statistics from Statista make clear.

There has also been a significant increase in crimes committed by non-German suspects, which is stimulating many discussions. A total of 29,014 knife attacks were registered in 2024, and the proportion of non-German suspects rose to 41.8%. This phenomenon is increasingly affecting younger age groups; the number of suspected children rose by 11.3%. These developments are often linked to social and economic insecurities, which are considered risk factors for violence.

Social challenges

The increasing violence in more public spaces is also exacerbated by psychological stress and the economic pressures that are felt in society. Children and young people are particularly affected, as they increasingly find themselves caught up in social conflicts. A survey in Germany showed that 94% of the population perceive violence against people from the political, police and emergency services sectors to be a major problem.

Overall, it is clear that the incidents in Esterházypark are not isolated. Rather, they represent an expression of personal and social crises that are associated with the increase in alcohol and drug abuse and the associated acts of violence. The current situation requires both preventive measures and a better understanding of the complex background that leads to such tragic incidents.

oe24 reported the incident while the Federal Criminal Police Office and Statista Provide background information on the general crime situation in Germany.