Police shoot Serbs in Vienna: Urgent emergency call from parents!

Police shoot Serbs in Vienna: Urgent emergency call from parents!

A dramatic incident occurred today in Vienna's Brigittenau. A 28-year-old Serb was shot by officers from WEGA (Vienna's task force to combat street crime) after he threatened the emergency services with a knife. The situation quickly escalated after the man's parents called 911 at 1:30 p.m. Sunday and expressed concerns about his mental health. The police then entered the man's apartment, who approached the officers with a kitchen knife.

Despite repeated attempts to calm the man, the use of a Taser had no effect. Under the pressure of the threatening situation, the officers were forced to fire shots, which resulted in life-threatening injuries to the man. He was immediately taken to a hospital and given emergency medical care by the Vienna professional rescue service. The Vienna State Criminal Police Office has started the investigation, while the Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office and the Federal Office for the Prevention and Combating of Corruption are investigating the circumstances surrounding the use of firearms.

Safe alternatives to violence

The discussion about the use of electric shock devices such as the Taser is given new urgency by this incident. According to the German Police Union, these distance electrical impulse devices could play an important role in de-escalating violent situations. Violent crime has reached an all-time high in recent years; around 305 police officers become victims of crime every day, while they are increasingly confronted with people with psychological disorders or drug addictions.

The latest Taser model can be used from a distance of over 13 meters and is capable of incapacitating opponents for several seconds. In countries such as Germany and Austria, widespread use is already being considered, also in view of the high number of incidents in which people have died from police bullets. In 2024, Bavaria recorded the highest number of deaths caused by police violence since 1997.

Controversies surrounding the use of Tasers

Despite the potential benefits, there are also critical voices. Amnesty International reports numerous human rights violations related to the use of electric shock devices. Between 2014 and 2024, the organization documented their use in over 40 countries, often in problematic contexts such as demonstrations or psychiatric facilities. The reports show that the use of Tasers can also have serious health consequences for those affected.

What is particularly alarming is the fact that at least ten deaths have been registered in Germany since 2021 in direct connection with Taser use, often among people in psychological crises. Mathias John from Amnesty International criticizes the use of these devices against non-violent people and in dynamic operational situations. The demand for strict regulations for the handling of such devices is becoming increasingly louder in order to prevent misuse.

The current debate over the Taser shows that both safety and human rights must be balanced. Whether the Taser can actually be a solution or simply leads to more conflict remains to be seen until the current incident in Vienna is clarified.

For a deeper insight into the topic, further information can be found on the website of krone.at, dpolg.de and amnesty.de to find.