On 8 occasions this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified via SMS messages to their mobile devices regarding a variety of safety and security matters.
Starting Monday afternoon, AlertsUSA subscribers were some of the first in the nation to learn of an active shooter situation unfolding outside of the Seitenstettengasse Temple synagogue (The Stadttempel, or City Prayer House) in Vienna, Austria. In this incident, a man who had previously tried to join the Islamic State went on a shooting rampage in Vienna armed with an automatic rifle, pistol, machete, and a fake explosive vest, killing four and injuring 23 others before being taken down by police. In addition to the shooting outside of the synagogue, the perpetrator attacked six other locations in the area, shooting mainly at passers-by and people at restaurants. This incident took place four hours before the midnight start of a nationwide lockdown as new COVID-19 restrictions came into force in Austria.
Initially, it was reported by police and government officials that multiple heavily-armed gunmen were involved. The following day Austrian police officials publicly stated they believe a single gunman was responsible.
The US Embassy in Vienna issued multiple security alerts to Americans in the country warning of the unfolding attack, and urging caution and vigilance.
The suspect was identified as a 20-year-old Austrian-Macedonian dual citizen with a previous terror conviction for attempting to join the Islamic State in Syria. While this suspect may have been the sole shooter in this incident, reports are emerging that indicate he is believed to be part of a larger network that extends into Germany and Switzerland.
Islamic State Claims Responsibility
On Wednesday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified that the Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency has released a statement claiming responsibility for the Vienna attack. The announcement was made via a graphic plate shared via jihadist online forums and social media.
The English translation from Arabic reads as follows:
The death and injury of 30 Crusaders in an attack by a caliphate soldier in Vienna, Austria
Austria Tuesday 17 Rabi Al-Awwal 1442 A.H (03 November 2020)
With the grace of God Almighty, the caliphate soldier Abu Dujana al-Albani - may God accept him - set out towards the Crusaders' gatherings in Vienna in Austria yesterday, and targeted them with a machine gun, a pistol and a knife, killing and wounding about 30 crusaders, including an officer and police officers, praise be to God. |
UK Raises Terror Threat Level
Also on Wednesday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified that the UK's terror threat level has been raised from "substantial" to "severe", meaning an attack is now judged to be "highly likely". Home Secretary Priti Patel described the action as a "precautionary measure following the terrible incidents we've seen in France last week and the events we saw in Austria last night".
Readers are reminded that in just the last four weeks, in addition to the attack in Vienna, there have been multiple attacks in France including two separate incidents where victims were beheaded (see this and this), as well as attacks on police and a meat cleaver attack in which multiple people were severely injured.
ISIS and Al Qaeda Call For Attacks
In the same timeframe there have been numerous calls by both the Islamic State and Al Qaeda for renewed attacks. On Thursday of this week, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of a new series of propaganda posters issued by an Islamic State media group calling for Muslims in the West to carry out attacks.
One of the English language posters is shown below.
The English translation of the Arabic at the top reads as follows:
| Oh Monotheist You Should Target Them |
In addition to the Islamic State, al-Qaeda and al-Shabaab have also issued statements telling followers that they should emulate the European attacks on a global scale.
The U.S. State Department is warning American citizens that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France as well as numerous other EU nations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets & shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
AlertsUSA continues to monitor the domestic and international threat environment around the clock and will immediately notify service subscribers, via SMS messages to their mobile devices, of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.
