Four Austrian Public Servants Killed in Poacher's Violent Rampage
Austrian authorities are mourning the loss of four public servants after a violent incident involving a poacher, Johann S. Huber, also known as Alois Huber. Huber shot and killed three police officers and a paramedic before dying in a fire at his farm in Großpriel near Melk. Flags across the Lower Austria state have been ordered to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect.
The tragic events unfolded when police attempted to stop Huber for illegal hunting. A chase ensued, culminating in a shootout. Huber initially killed a policeman at the roadblock, then targeted an ambulance driver, killing him, and wounding another officer. Huber took a second hostage, driving to his farm with the captive. Throughout the day and into the night, police and army surrounded the farm in a tense siege. Huber confessed to the killings and expressed his intent not to be captured alive, having previously shot his dog. Huber's body was later found in a burning room, along with the three fallen police officers and the paramedic.
The incident has been described as unprecedented in the history of the Austrian police by the Interior Minister. Huber was known locally for defying authorities, with his hunting permit previously revoked. The identities of the deceased have been confirmed as police officers Roman Baumgartner, Manfred Daurer, Johann Ecker, and paramedic Johann Dorfwirth.
