Kujtim Fejzullai: Difference between revisions

Kujtim Fejzullai was born in Modling, Lower Austria, but grew up in Vienna, where he attended the Melit Ibrahim Mosque. It is believed that his radicalization began here, and after finding Islamic State propaganda online, he decided to join the group. In 2018 he traveled to Syria, but was caught in Turkey crossing the border illegally, and deported back to Austria. There, Fejzullai was sentenced to 22 months in prison in April 2019, of which he only served 9 because he agreed to enter a deradicalization program. Despite convincing the program that he had abandoned his extreme beliefs, Fejzullai attempted to purchase rifle ammunition in Slovakia in July 2020. He did not have a license and was unable to, and Slovakian authorities informed their Austrian counterparts of his attempt.

At around 8 PM, Fejzullai began firing on diners at a restaurant near the Stadttempel, the primary synagogue in Vienna. The proximity of the synagogue led some to suggest that it may have been his target, however the building was closed at that time. Following that shooting, he traveled around downtown Vienna shooting people in multiple locations, causing fears that there were multiple shooters, until finally he was shot dead in front of St. Rupert's Church. Several other suspects were arrested, but released after video footage determined he was the only shooter.