Police Large Deployment Ensures Safety of Opera Ball Guests

Hundreds of police officers ensure the safety of the 5,150 Opera Ball guests, including high-ranking personalities such as Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP).

"We have no specific, but an increased threat level," explained Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) in the morning during an inspection of the State Opera. Austria remains at terror alert level 4, the second-highest level, which requires special precautions.

Police with Special Units, Sniffer Dogs, and in Civilian Clothes at the Vienna Opera Ball

To ensure a safe environment, close cooperation between the police, the intelligence service, and the special unit Cobra is crucial. Explosive detection dogs and the bomb disposal unit are also deployed.

The State Opera has been monitored since the beginning of the week, explained Klaus Schachner, the operations manager of the Vienna police. "We are closely checking who and what enters the State Opera." However, the operation will only enter its decisive phase in the afternoon.

Accompanied Demonstrations and Protests Expected

In addition to the ball events, the task forces must also keep an eye on three protest rallies. Two demonstration marches will move from the 10th district and from Ballhausplatz to the opera. Another stationary rally will take place at Albertinaplatz.

According to Vienna's Chief of Police, Gerhard Pürstl, these are protests "from the far-left, communist side" directed against social inequalities and the financial exclusivity of the opera ball. "We are hopeful that nothing will happen," emphasized Operations Commander Christian Hackl. The police are in close contact with the organizers.

Security Also for Other Balls in Austria

"The opera ball is not only a national but also an international event," emphasized Interior Minister Karner. However, other ball events during the carnival season will also be closely monitored by security authorities to prevent possible incidents.

(APA/Red)

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