Tragic School Shooting in Graz Claims At Least 10 Lives
In a horrifying incident that has sent shockwaves across Austria, a school shooting at a high school in Graz has left at least ten people dead, including the gunman. The incident occurred on Monday morning at the BORG Dreierschützengasse school near the city’s central railway station. Authorities have confirmed that the shooter was a student who later took his own life.
School Shooting in Graz Leaves Multiple Dead
Emergency services responded swiftly after reports of gunfire at around 10 a.m. local time. Police special forces, helicopters, and multiple ambulances were dispatched to the school premises. Students and staff were evacuated and escorted to a nearby concert hall, Helmut List Halle, designated as a safe zone.
According to initial reports, seven of the deceased are believed to be students. One of the fatalities is an adult, possibly a teacher or school staff member. The shooter, confirmed to be a student, died by suicide inside the school bathroom after the attack. Authorities have stated that the shooter acted alone.
Police Investigation Underway
Austrian police have cordoned off the area and declared the school secure. “The suspect is believed to have acted alone,” said police spokesperson Fritz Grundnig. Investigators are combing through CCTV footage, examining the suspect’s digital footprint, and interviewing eyewitnesses to determine the motive behind the attack. A crisis intervention team has been deployed to support survivors and the families of the victims.
Mayor Elke Kahr, visibly shaken, addressed the press, saying: “This is a terrible tragedy for Graz. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.” She also urged residents to remain calm and support one another.
Austria Reacts to the Tragedy
The Austrian government and the European Union issued statements condemning the attack and offering condolences. “We stand with the city of Graz and all those affected,” read a statement from EU officials. Flags were lowered to half-mast across several government buildings.
While gun violence is relatively rare in Austria, this incident has reignited debates on school security protocols and youth mental health support. Political leaders have called for a review of school safety infrastructure and preventive measures to identify at-risk students before tragedies occur.
As investigators work to piece together the sequence of events, the nation mourns the loss of young lives in what is one of the deadliest school shootings in Austrian history.
