Autopsy Ordered After Fatal Shooting During Police Operation in Lower Austria

An Austrian man attacked police officers with a knife during a police operation in Lower Austria and was fatally wounded by a service weapon. An autopsy has been ordered, as Leopold Bien from the St. Pölten public prosecutor's office announced on Thursday upon request.

Fatal Shot During Police Operation Due to Suspicion of Theft

A police operation was underway against the 49-year-old in the Mostviertel market town. According to the police, it was about suspicion of theft. According to media reports, there was an active weapons ban against the 49-year-old. The man was reportedly known to the police. In this case, the Investigation and Complaint Office for Allegations of Mistreatment (EBM), located in the Federal Office for Corruption Prevention and Combating Corruption (BAK), is now at work. It involves, among other things, examining the use of firearms. The St. Pölten public prosecutor's office is also involved. Spokesman Bien referred to ongoing investigations on Thursday.

EBM Commenced Work in January 2024

The EBM commenced its work at the BAK on January 22, 2024. According to its website, it is "nationwide and exclusively responsible for investigations and inquiries into allegations of mistreatment against police officers as well as the exercise of immediate coercive force resulting in death and life-threatening use of weapons." The staff have comprehensive specialized training focusing on human rights, operational training, criminology, and psychology.

Due to the use of firearms in St. Aegyd am Neuwalde, the EBM is conducting the criminal investigations and reporting the results to the St. Pölten public prosecutor's office. The prosecution authority is in charge of the investigation process. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the EBM only investigates "uses of weapons by police officers that are associated with life-threatening situations (usually firearm uses) and when weapon uses (or coercive force in general) result in death." Additionally, allegations of mistreatment are investigated.

In 2024, the EBM handled 514 complaints or cases. According to the Ministry of the Interior, seven cases involved life-threatening uses of weapons, three of which resulted in death, and two others involved suspicion of coercive measures resulting in death. Additionally, there were 505 allegations of mistreatment.

(APA/Red)

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