Vienna, March 30, 2024 – Yesterday, Friday, around 8:30 p.m., while a religious meeting was in progress, a suspicious object was found in the entrance area of a place of worship of Jehovah’s Witness in Kalsdorf near Graz. The police were alerted via emergency call and the area was cordoned off over a large area. The item was deemed hazardous and taken to a safe location by the defusing service for further investigation. Meanwhile, the police confirmed that the object was an explosive device that could have caused harm. This threat was not preceded by threatening letters or phone calls. The State Security Service is investigating.
“Jehovah’s Witnesses are really thankful for the prompt response and help of the emergency services and are glad that no one was injured. The police are taking the matter very seriously and have raised security measures throughout the county of Steiermark. We work closely together with the authorities” says Markus Kakavis, spokesman for the faith community.
Meanwhile, the elders render pastoral care to the members of the local congregation.