Austrian hunter suspected of killing mayor found dead

(Patria) - An Austrian suspected of shooting two people in what is believed to be a hunting dispute has been found dead. It is reportedly suicide, local police announced today.

The 56-year-old man, reportedly a fanatic hunter, is believed to have killed the mayor of the Austrian village of Kirchberg ob der Donau and a former hunting guide within two hours on Monday. Both were 64 years old.

According to official sources, the 64-year-old mayor of Kirchberg on the Danube, on the border of Germany and the Czech Republic, which has about a thousand inhabitants, was most likely killed over a hunting permit. His body was found in a field, a few kilometers from the scene.

Regional Governor Thomas Selzer expressed regret over the unimaginable act that shocked the country and extended his condolences to the grieving families.

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Assassination in Austria: Mayor Franz Hofer killed

The mayor of Kirchberg in Austria, Franz Hofer, died in today's attack, prompting a large-scale police operation. The attacker is on the run, Crone has confirmed. Following the horrific discovery, all police forces were dispatched to the scene.

- The suspect's body has since been found and identified. The circumstances indicate that he committed suicide - said a police spokesperson.

Following the murders committed on Monday, authorities launched a large manhunt that seriously disrupted life in Upper Austria for several days.

Given that the suspect had disputes with numerous fellow citizens, 50 people were placed under police protection or transported to a safe location.

Public events were canceled, and many local residents said they were afraid to go out on the street because of the attacker.

In recent days, police have received about 400 tips from citizens. The hunter's car, which was on the run, was found yesterday.

The area around the crime scene was searched for days by a large police contingent. About 250 police officers meticulously searched the dense undergrowth with extreme caution.

A spokesperson for the special police unit brought in to assist in the search said that authorities assume they are dealing with a very dangerous opponent.

Investigators are still trying to determine more precisely the movements and whereabouts of the suspect in the days between the fatal shots and the discovery of his body.