Large-Scale Operation Following Threat of Attack on ORF Center in Vienna

All clear after a major operation at the ORF center at Küniglberg in Vienna-Hietzing: The driver of a small truck blocked the access on Tuesday around 5:00 a.m. and told intervening officers that there was a bomb in the cargo area. The 53-year-old was then arrested and the area was cordoned off extensively, said police spokesman Philipp Haßlinger. The truck and the surroundings were searched, but no explosive device was found. The operation ended at 10:30 a.m.

His interrogation already took place, according to the police upon request in the late afternoon. The 53-year-old was taken to a detention center. What his intention was with the bomb threat could initially only be speculated. No further details could be obtained from the Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office in the afternoon.

Man is known to authorities

The Austrian citizen is already known to authorities: In December 2024, he also parked a truck in the area of Heldenplatz to draw attention to a book with an inscription on the truck. Because he did not make a threat at that time, unlike today, he was only reported under administrative law.

This time, too, he had handwritten a reference to a book on the side wall of the truck's body: "KULLMANN WISSEN WILTON KLIMAWANDELade" and an email address were visible. Wilton Kullmann wrote esoteric books in the 1990s and 2000s, among other things, dealing with "earth and celestial rays" and their effects. According to APA information, the truck was likely rented.

The State Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (LSE) investigated the man. An initial review revealed that the 53-year-old likely does not belong to the radical environmental or climate protection scene and is also not to be counted among right-wing extremist circles. It initially remained unclear whether he should be temporarily placed in a forensic-therapeutic facility.

No closure of Vienna ORF center after bomb threat

The ORF center itself was not closed, but parts of the building complex were evacuated. Surrounding buildings were also temporarily evacuated, and several streets were closed. The bomb disposal service of the Ministry of the Interior's Special Units Directorate was on site, as well as the service dog unit and explosive experts. The professional rescue service was also deployed. They attended to three residents who were overwhelmed by the excitement of the major operation.

(APA/Red)

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