After hammer attack on university professor – Rector is “shocked”

A former student at Linz’s Kepler University attacked a 56-year-old professor with a hammer on Tuesday afternoon. Apparently he had followed the teacher from a lounge in the university building and attacked him from behind.

First, the 39-year-old from Linz hit the professor on the head, then on the upper body. The man suffered serious head and rib injuries and was taken to hospital.

Statement of the JKU

Rector Lukas commented on the incident in a written statement on Wednesday morning. He describes what he has done since then: “Yesterday I already had SMS contact with the affected professor and was able to express our dismay on behalf of the entire JKU, send him the very best wishes for a recovery and of course offer any help. We made an appointment for a phone call today.”

Perpetrator had completed a master’s degree

Rector Lukas also writes: “The motive for the act is probably to be found in a severe mental impairment of the perpetrator. He was admitted to the forensic department at Neuromed Campus and is in safe custody there. The perpetrator is now known to us by name. This is how we know that he has completed a master’s degree. He is currently not a student at the JKU.”

Luke shocked

The rector continues: “For me, our beautiful JKU campus is a place for dialogue, networking and exchange – this tragic incident shocks me all the more. The same will happen to you and, of course, especially to those who were directly present at the crime. On behalf of all of us, I wish the injured colleague all the best and a speedy recovery as possible!”

Rector Lukas thanks all the helpers and assured them “to support both the security authorities and the public prosecutor’s office in the clarification and all those affected in the processing of this crime as best as possible.”