A pensioner in Ottakring injured her brother-in-law with a knife

An 85-year-old woman from Ottakring severely injured her 78-year-old brother-in-law with a kitchen knife during an attack in his apartment late Tuesday night. The incident occurred near the Ottakring subway station in Vienna, according to police spokesperson Anna Gutt, who stated the motives behind the assault remained unclear. The elderly woman struck her relative in the head with a heavy object before inflicting stab wounds to his chest and neck. The victim called emergency services and fled the apartment into the stairwell. Emergency responders treated him and transported him to a hospital’s shock room. His life was not in danger on Tuesday. The attacker did not stop there. She reportedly threw objects at police officers from the WEGA and the city police command and threatened them with something pointed. Despite this, the officers arrested the woman. She was taken into custody under suspicion of mental illness and placed in a hospital under the provisions of the Placement Act. This was not the first such incident involving a knife in Vienna. Earlier Monday morning, a 15-year-old Syrian national attacked a 19-year-old male friend in their shared apartment in Favoriten. The teenager inflicted superficial cuts on the young man, though the exact cause of the altercation remained unclear on Tuesday. The girl also sustained a shallow cut on her arm but refused medical treatment for it. According to the 19-year-old, he woke up around 5:45 a.m. and immediately faced the attack. Police from the WEGA and the Favoriten city police command secured the suspected weapon, a small knife. On the order of the public prosecutor's office, both individuals were released on bail pending investigation into the alleged intentional infliction of serious bodily harm. The two incidents highlight a pattern of violent attacks using knives in different parts of Vienna within a short timeframe. While the motivations for both cases remain uncertain, they have drawn attention from local authorities. The 85-year-old woman’s actions led to her being hospitalized due to potential mental health issues, while the younger attackers were released after initial questioning. Authorities are continuing their investigations into both cases. In the first incident, police are examining possible reasons for the elderly woman’s violent behavior, including whether she suffered from a mental disorder. In the second case, detectives are looking into the nature of the conflict between the teenagers, which could involve personal disputes or other factors. Both incidents are being treated separately, with no indication yet of a connection between them. In the Ottakring case, the victim’s injuries required immediate medical attention, but he was stable upon arrival at the hospital. The police emphasized that the motive for the attack had not been determined, adding that further information would be made available once the investigation progressed. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old girl in Favoriten has not provided any statements regarding the incident, complicating efforts to understand the circumstances leading to the attack. Local residents in both areas expressed concern over the rise in violent incidents involving knives. Some community members called for increased police presence and better support systems for individuals showing signs of mental distress. Others suggested that more resources should be allocated to youth programs aimed at preventing conflicts among teenagers. These calls come amid broader discussions about public safety and the need for effective measures to address underlying social issues contributing to such violence. Police officials reiterated their commitment to investigating all reports of violence thoroughly and ensuring justice for victims. They also reminded the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. As the investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge, potentially shedding light on the causes behind these disturbing events.