New Year’s Chaos: Police Face Constant Threats and Gunfire

On New Year’s Eve, police in Salzburg faced significant challenges as safety concerns escalated throughout the night. Authorities deployed additional officers in response to numerous incidents involving illegal fireworks and gunfire.

Police Response and Incidents

Throughout the night, the police responded to various situations stemming from the use of unauthorized pyrotechnics. Many of those involved were youths, including minors. This led to numerous violations under the fireworks law, resulting in administrative actions and fines.

• Numerous reports of illegal fireworks usage.
• Involvement of teenagers and minors in many incidents.
• Multiple fines issued under the pyrotechnics legislation.

Gunfire Reports

Gunfire incidents were particularly alarming. Around 10 PM, two young Austrians, aged 18 and 19, discharged shots into the air in a garden in Salzburg. Police discovered that one of them, the 19-year-old, had a prior weapons ban, leading to weapon confiscation and legal charges.

Shortly after midnight, a 20-year-old from Austria fired several rounds with a starter pistol along the Salzach river. He faced similar consequences, including an immediate weapons prohibition.

Threats and Violent Crimes

The police did not only confront issues of fireworks and gunfire. A 33-year-old Afghan national was arrested for threatening another individual dangerously. This incident highlights the growing concerns regarding public safety around celebrations.

In the early hours of January 1, an attempted robbery occurred in a nightclub in downtown Salzburg. A 27-year-old Afghan threatened his former employer with a knife, demanding a large sum of money. When a bystander attempted to intervene, he, too, was threatened. The situation escalated until the bystander used pepper spray, causing minor injuries to the attacker. The police apprehended the 27-year-old, who is now facing charges.

Summary of Events

• Increased police presence on New Year’s Eve.
• Two instances of gunfire by young adults.
• Multiple arrests for illegal fireworks and threats.
• An attempted robbery involving a knife in a nightclub.

The first day of 2026 began with concerns for safety, following a chaotic night marked by threats and violent behavior. As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on addressing these incidents to ensure public safety in the future.