A devastating school shooting in Graz, Austria, has claimed the lives of eleven individuals, marking it as the deadliest gun attack in the country’s history. The incident occurred at the Dreierschützengasse secondary school, where a 21-year-old assailant, a former student of the institution, took his own life shortly after the attack.
According to Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, the initial toll revealed ten fatalities, including six females and three males. Tragically, a report later confirmed that an injured female victim succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, raising the death count to eleven. Additionally, twelve others sustained injuries, several of which are serious.
Investigation into the shooter’s background
The shooter, who has not yet been identified publicly, did not graduate from the Dreierschützengasse school, as noted by Karner during a press conference. Speculation surrounding the motives of the attack continues, with the authorities indicating that it is under thorough investigation. Notably, the gunman had no prior criminal record, and it has been confirmed that he legally possessed the two firearms used in the attack—a pistol and a shotgun.
Law enforcement officials stated that the shooter was an Austrian male from the Graz area and acted alone during the tragic event. The police response was immediate, with tactical units deployed to secure the premises and ensure no further threats to public safety.
A nation in mourning
In the wake of this tragedy, Austria has declared three days of mourning, with a nationwide minute of silence scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 AM local time to honor the victims. Flags at significant national landmarks, including the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, will be flown at half-mast.
Chancellor Christian Stocker expressed his condolences, describing the day as a “dark day in [the] history of our country” and labeling the incident a “national tragedy.” He emphasized the importance of schools as safe spaces for learning and community, stating, “A school is more than just a place to learn – it is a space for trust, for feeling comfortable and for having a future.”
Local reports indicate that among those killed, seven were students, emphasizing the profound impact this violence has had on the community. The mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, referred to the event as a “terrible tragedy,” while European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas called the shooting shocking, asserting that every child deserves a safe environment for learning.
As the community comes to terms with the aftermath, many residents have rallied to offer support. Long lines formed outside blood donation centers as citizens sought to contribute in any way they could. “Today is a hard day for all of us in Graz. I’m here to [donate] my blood to help other people who need it,” shared 25-year-old Stephanie Koenig. Another donor expressed, “I felt helpless with the news; giving blood felt like the only way possible to help.”
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety in public spaces, leaving a lasting impact on the families of victims, the school community, and the nation as a whole.