Shots on tram in Vienna-Penzing: Police on a large scale operation!

Shots on tram in Vienna-Penzing: Police on a large scale operation!

On July 4, 2025, a dramatic incident caused a stir in Vienna's 14th district of Penzing. A tram was shot at by an unknown object, leading to a large police operation. The special units of the Vienna police, including WEGA and Cobra, arrived with a contingent that even included police tanks. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but a shot was recorded that hit the tram through a door and a window opposite. Police responded immediately and imposed roadblocks, while a suspect was arrested in a nearby apartment and is now being questioned by the State Criminal Police Office. The investigation into the type of weapon used is still ongoing and forensics have inspected the bullet hole and the entire surrounding area. After the last shots that were fired in April during an operation against an ATM gang, the situation in Vienna is particularly sensitive, also in view of a previous shooting spree in Graz and a bomb scare at the Vienna University of Technology.

Viennese public transport relies on safety

This incident sheds light on the security measures of the Wiener Linien. They already use extensive video surveillance to ensure safety for both passengers and employees. Around 14,000 cameras are installed in the vehicles and stations, where they permanently record what is happening. There are around 3,000 cameras in use in subway stations, but they only store data for 48 hours and are then automatically deleted. The use of these recordings is strictly regulated and only occurs at the request of the police to solve crimes. In emergency situations, passengers should use the emergency call facilities to request help and inform the authorities as quickly as possible.

Peter Hanke, the city councilor for finance and economics, recently emphasized the importance of the Wiener Linien and the positive developments in tram production that are taking place in the Danube city at Alstom. With the recent delivery of the 1000th Flexity Vienna tram, not only will the fleet be renewed, but the safety and environmental friendliness of the vehicles will also be improved. These new trains have already started operating on five lines, while two additional lines will expand the offering over the course of the year. Flexity Vienna is replacing the last high-floor tram models, thus enabling barrier-free use.

Economic importance for Vienna

The production of trams not only secures jobs, but also creates sustainable added value in Vienna. Alstom employs around 800 people in Vienna and is a global competence center for trams and light rail systems. A positive example of how the city and industry can work together to both promote the economy and increase safety on public transport. Ernst Nevrivy, district leader of the 22nd district of Vienna, recently highlighted Alstom's role as an important economic factor and underlined the positive influence on the Donaustadt location.

In view of the current security situation and the positive developments in the area of ​​public transport, it is important that both the Wiener Linien continually invest in its security strategies and that citizens act with a sense of proportion in order to continue to make Vienna a safe and livable city.