KUWAIT CITY, Nov 3, (Agencies): His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah strongly condemned Tuesday a terrorist attack in the Austrian capital, Vienna. This criminal act, which targets innocent civilians, is contrary to humanitarian principles and morals, His Highness the Amir said in a cable to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.

He reiterated Kuwait’s rejection of all forms of terrorism and extremisms regardless of their motives. His Highness the Amir expressed condolences for the president and families of the victims, and wished speedy recovery for the wounded. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent cables of condolences to the Austrian President over victims of the attacks.

A man who had previously tried to join the Islamic State group rampaged in Vienna armed with an automatic rifle and a fake explosive vest, fatally shooting four people before he was killed by police, Austrian authorities said Tuesday.

Witnesses described dozens of screaming people fleeing the sounds of gunshots Monday night in a nightlife district crowded with revelers enjoying the last hours before a coronavirus lockdown.

Others barricaded themselves inside restaurants for hours until they were sure the danger had passed. Video that appeared to be from the scene showed a gunman, dressed in white coveralls, firing off bursts seemingly at random as he ran down the Austrian capital’s dark cobblestone streets.

While the attack lasted just minutes, authorities said only on Tuesday afternoon that there was no indication of a second attacker – adding to tension in the capital as residents were urged to stay home. Two men and two women died from their injuries in the attack. Authorities said a police officer who tried to get in the way of the attacker was shot and wounded, along with 21 other people.