On Saturday evening, the Vienna State Police Directorate had already informed about an increased police presence at Christian events during the Christmas season. According to the police, there were also arrests, but they did not want to explain the background to this to the APA.
There was no statement from the Interior Ministry to the APA. The police had previously announced in a broadcast that terrorist actors across Europe were calling for attacks on Christian events, especially around December 24th. The protective measures have therefore been increased in public spaces in Vienna and in the federal states, and places and objects at risk – such as churches, religious events, church services and Christmas markets – are being increasingly guarded. Civilian and uniformed emergency services are deployed with special equipment and long weapons. If necessary, access controls can also be carried out.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is particularly at risk
The Cologne Cathedral was the target of a possible attack plan, the dpa reported, as was a church in Vienna. According to “Bild”, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is particularly at risk. Madrid is also mentioned as a possible destination. According to information from the dpa, the group responsible may have a connection to the terrorist group Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISPK).
Security measures have also been increased in Cologne. “Even if the reference refers to New Year’s Eve, we will already do everything we can this evening to ensure the safety of cathedral visitors on Christmas Eve. In coordination with the security officer of the cathedral chapter, the cathedral will be searched with sniffer dogs after the evening mass and then locked,” said the head of the Cologne criminal police, Michael Esser, according to dpa.
