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Deadly shooting attack launched near Vienna synagogue

Austria’s Interior Ministry said that one attacker has been killed and another could be on the run.

By Associated Press

Austrian police said Monday that several people were injured and officers were out in force following gunfire in the capital Vienna.

Shortly thereafter, Austrian media reported at least one person was dead.

Oskar Deutsch, the head of the Jewish community in Vienna, said the shooting took place in the street where the city’s main synagogue is located but that it wasn’t clear whether the house of worship had been targeted.

The synagogue was already closed at the time of the shooting, Deutsch tweeted.

Austrian news agency APA quoted the country’s Interior Ministry as saying that one attacker has been killed and another could be on the run.

Police said the operation in the center of the city was ongoing and urged people to avoid all open spaces and public transport.

“There are several injured persons,” police tweeted. “We are on site with all available forces. Please avoid all public squares in the city.”

Police added that the exact circumstances of the incident were still being determined.

HAPPENING NOW – Terror alert in Vienna: Attack on a synagogue. Shots fired. Massive police operation underway. This is a developing story.pic.twitter.com/bUirWB0K7E