A comprehensive search operation has been launched in northern Austria following a deadly shooting incident on Monday, October 28, which resulted in the death of two individuals, including the mayor of a small town, and left another person injured. Officials have linked the incident to an ongoing disagreement over hunting rights.

Police have named the suspect as Roland Drexler, 56, who is still at large. According to police spokeswoman Ulrike Handlbauer, Drexler is considered to be “armed and extremely dangerous.”

The fatal shooting took place in the Rohrbach district of Upper Austria, near the Czech border. Franz Hofer, mayor of Kirchberg ob der Donau, was found dead approximately half a mile away from a federal highway in the village of Altenfelden.

Hofer had been the mayor of the town, which has a population of around 1,000 since 2008, and also served as the local hunting director. The other victim, identified as a present or past hunting official, was found in the nearby Arnreit. The identity of the third person, who was injured in the attack, is yet to be disclosed.

The incident appears to be linked to a longstanding disagreement over hunting rights in the region. It has been reported by local media that Hofer had recently lodged a complaint against Drexler, accusing him of “unhuntsmanlike behavior.”

Members of the local hunting community have depicted Drexler as a person causing issues within the group.

In light of the incident, Austrian authorities have called upon EKO Cobra, a top-tier special forces unit, to assist in the search for Drexler. Police helicopters are patrolling the area and local residents have been advised to stay inside their homes.

State Hunting Master Herbert Sieghartsleitner expressed his disbelief over the incident, stating, “I knew Franz Hofer very well personally. It is unbelievable what is happening right now.”

The vicinity of the crime scenes has been completely cordoned off as police continue their search for the suspect. A security perimeter has been established and systematic search operations are being conducted throughout the region.