The horrific attacks in #Vienna yesterday have made me particularly uneasy, not only because it's the first multi-actor attack that appeared intent on committing mass casualties in awhile, but specifically due to the timing. While the motivations & affiliation of the perps are /1

still under investigation, choosing to conduct the attacks the day before one of the most contentious elections in the US, when the sitting president has already exploited this event to drive own his own narrative of "radical Islamic terrorism," has some potential implications./2

Remember the 2004 Madrid train bombing conducted by al-Qaeda? It had a direct impact on politics in Spain, particularly its decision to withdraw troops from Iraq. For still undecided voters, there is a potential that such an attack, even from outside the US, could reinforce /3

Trump's position, while neglecting the more pertinent threat of far right violence in the country that he is enabling. Thankfully, covid restrictions likely lent to a smaller number of persons out in Vienna, and there have thus far only been a small number of casualties. /4

The polarization of this election has also meant that the news cycle has been largely preoccupied with what's going on in the US. Yet, the recent (also brutal) attacks in France also have the potential to compound this concern in the public imagination. /5

In short, the #ViennaAttack was a deeply concerning event, but one which also had the potential to be much more so in terms of both casualties, & broader implications. It remains to be seen whether it will have any impact on the #USElections2020, but I sincerely hope it doesn't/6

One of the perpetrators has now been identified as a frustrated traveller, who intended to join ISIS in Syria and was imprisoned for this. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54788613