Attack on Tyroleans

“I saw the anger in the eyes of these boys”

Gerhard Klausner shows the spot where he fell onto the tracks during the attack.

(Bild: Birbaumer Johanna)

An Innsbruck man (62) is attacked by several youths at a bus stop. The police investigate. The victim, who was injured in the foot, tells the "Krone" about increasing aggression in public spaces and talks about his fears for the future.

Gerhard Klausner has lived in Innsbruck for decades. He has witnessed many changes in the city. Many good things. "But unfortunately also negative developments," says the 62-year-old. When Klausner talks about negative developments, he is primarily referring to the growing aggression in public spaces, falling inhibitions and a lack of respect: "Today, you have to expect verbal abuse, threats or even violence immediately."

The boys were ready for a riot.

Gerhard Klausner

Nasty looks were followed by violence
The latter happened to the man from Innsbruck a few days ago. As reported, the 62-year-old was attacked by youths in the area of the Pauluskirche bus stop in Reichenau last Wednesday. "Four or five boys stood together. You couldn't get past them. When I asked them to move to the side, it started," says Klausner, "'Oida, wos wüst' one of them said to me. I could see the anger in the boys' eyes."

Then it came to violence. "The lads were in a riot," is the 62-year-old's bitter conclusion. In the course of the attack, Klausner fell onto the streetcar tracks. "I can't imagine if a streetcar had just arrived," the Innsbruck resident shudders to think.

"Will people soon have to be afraid all the time?"
The 62-year-old suffered a foot injury. The boys made off. The police are investigating. The incident had a lasting effect on the Innsbruck resident: "I'm not scared, I can defend myself. But I'm not getting any younger. I'm no longer up to a physical attack. Most people aren't. Will they soon have to be afraid all the time when they leave the house?"