Man Hospitalized in Critical Condition After Knife Attack in Vienna

Tue 27th Jan, 2026

A 65-year-old man is in critical condition after a violent knife attack in his apartment in Vienna's Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus district. According to local authorities, the incident occurred on Monday morning in a residential building on Sperrgasse, where the victim was reportedly asleep at the time of the assault.

Police investigations indicate that a 35-year-old woman, who does not have a permanent residence in Austria, was present in the man's apartment. It is believed that the man had allowed the woman, an acquaintance of Hungarian nationality, to stay overnight at his residence. During the morning, the woman allegedly attacked the man with a knife, inflicting life-threatening injuries.

Emergency services were alerted by a distress call, and law enforcement officers arrived promptly at the scene. The victim was discovered in the stairwell of the building with severe stab wounds. Paramedics provided immediate emergency medical care before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he underwent urgent surgery. As of the latest reports, the man remains hospitalized in critical condition following the operation.

Police were able to apprehend the suspect without resistance at approximately 11:15 a.m. The arrest was carried out by the WEGA special operations unit. Authorities have stated that the woman is known to law enforcement and is suspected of suffering from mental health issues. At the scene, she reportedly provided incoherent statements and was unable to offer a clear account of the events leading to the assault. Due to her psychological state, investigators have not yet been able to conduct a formal interrogation.

Following consultation with the Vienna public prosecutor's office, the suspect was transferred to a detention facility pending further investigation. The precise motives behind the attack remain unclear, and police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The authorities have not disclosed any information regarding the relationship between the victim and the alleged attacker beyond their acquaintance and the fact that she was allowed to stay overnight.

This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding violent crime and the challenges posed by individuals with potential mental health disorders within the community. The police are urging anyone with additional information related to the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.

The Vienna police department has stated that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available and once the suspect is fit to undergo questioning. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to establish a complete picture of the events and any contributing factors that led to the violent outburst.


More Quick Read Articles »