Syrian man who stopped Austria knife attack describes ordeal

Herbert Kicklright leader

At the same time, I am angry — angry at those politicians who have allowed stabbings, rapes, gang wars and other capital crimes to become the order of the day in Austria. This is a first-class failure of the system, for which a young man in Villach has now had to pay with his life,

Kickl said

We all had to flee Syria, our home country, because we were no longer safe there — no one left their country voluntarily. We are grateful to have found asylum and protection in Austria,

the association said

From Austria to the EU — the wrong rules are in force everywhere. Nobody is allowed to challenge them, everything is declared sacrosanct,

he said, adding

Andreas Bablersocial democratic leader

Crimes like this one simply should not happen in our society.”

The leader of the Social Democrats, Andreas Babler, said

Finally, we would like to emphasize: Anyone who causes strife and disturbs the peace of society does not represent the Syrians who have sought and received protection here,

the statement concluded

We all want to live in a safe Austria, adding that this means political measures need to be taken to avoid such acts of horror in the future,

he said

I have lived here with my family for nine years and I love Villach. Villach has given me a lot."

Alaaeddin added

I didn’t think about it, I reacted immediately. I just drove off in the car and hit him

he told the Austrian news outlet 5 Minuten

Videos of the arrest show the perpetrator laughing,

said police spokesman Rainer Dionisio, who told reporters

A person was lying on the street and a young man was taken away by the police,

Sandra Demmelhuber said

I was just about to pick up an order in Lederergasse when I saw all the blood and two injured people lying on the ground'

Speaking to local press about the attack, Alhalabi said

You know what they did vote for in England?

Turning to the UK, he added

First, he argued with people in a side street, then he started hitting around him. We first tried to hold him down. Then we saw the knife and backed away,

another eyewitness, Mahir, 29, told Krone

I am afraid for my children. I am afraid for those around me. I fear for the future. I fear where this will lead. I am endlessly sad,

local resident Tanja Planinschek told AFP at the site

Gerhard Karnerinterior Minister

It is an Islamist attack with IS connections,

Karner told reporters in the southern city of Villach where Saturday's attack took place, adding

Not only I, but all of us have been afraid for a long time that something bigger will happen,

she said ... adding the

He wanted to go towards the city center, there were children on the street –- I couldn't let that happen,

he said,

We have to wait until we get secure information,

he said

We need a rigorous clamp-down on asylum,

he said in a statement

One victim, a 14-year-old boy, died,

he added