Austrian authorities confirmed that a 23-year-old Syrian refugee, believed to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, is responsible for the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy and the wounding of five others in Villach, Austria. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated the suspect was apprehended within minutes of the attack. Karner characterized the incident as an "Islamist attack with an IS connection," noting the suspect's rapid radicalization online. He suggested a comprehensive screening of asylum-seekers might be necessary, given the suspect's inconspicuous nature.

Carinthia's police chief, Michaela Kohlweiss, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, Carinthia's Gov. Peter Kaiser, and Villach's mayor, Guenther Albel, address the press. (Gerd Eggenberger/APA/AFP via Getty Images)

Karner expressed sympathy for the victims and acknowledged the public's anger towards the attacker. The incident occurred shortly after Vice President JD Vance addressed the Munich Security Conference, criticizing European leaders on mass migration and free speech restrictions. Austria's far-right leader, Herbert Kickl, reacted to the attack by demanding stricter asylum policies. He blamed existing political leaders for creating an environment conducive to such violence.

Mourners gather at the scene of the attack in Villach, Austria. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Candles are lit in memory of the 14-year-old victim. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Austrian State Criminal Police secure the area. (Gerd Eggenberger/APA/AFP via Getty Images)

The suspect faces murder and attempted murder charges. Police discovered IS flags in his apartment and confiscated his cell phones, though no weapons were found. Authorities are investigating the possibility of accomplices. Carinthia's governor, Peter Kaiser, commended a Syrian delivery driver who intervened, preventing further harm. Villach's mayor, Guenther Albel, described the attack as a devastating blow to the city. Conservative leader Christian Stocker called for the full force of the law to be applied to the perpetrator.

Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

This attack follows a car ramming incident in Munich the previous day, where an Afghan refugee injured several people, resulting in one fatality. Vance connected these incidents to the increase in immigration and questioned European leaders' policies. He urged a change in direction to protect Western civilization. This stabbing in Villach is considered the second deadly Islamic terror attack in Austria in recent years, following a 2020 Vienna attack. Last August, Austrian authorities also prevented a planned attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, allegedly by a teenager linked to IS.