School Shooting in Graz Leaves Multiple Dead and Injured

A shooting at a secondary school in Graz, Austria, resulted in the deaths of at least ten people and left several more seriously injured. Authorities confirmed the fatalities included the presumed shooter, several students, and another adult believed to be a teacher. Local reports indicated that as many as thirty individuals were injured in the attack, making it the deadliest in Austria's postwar history.

The gunman, identified as a former pupil, initiated the attack by opening fire in two classrooms around 10 am local time. Following a significant security operation involving special forces and police helicopters, authorities declared the area safe approximately ninety minutes later. Pupils and staff were evacuated from the BORG Dreierschützengasse high school, and the building underwent a thorough search.

Police sources revealed that the perpetrator was a 22-year-old former student who was armed with two legally owned weapons, a pistol and a shotgun. He used one of the weapons on himself. Families gathered at a nearby sports hall, where crisis intervention teams were available. The area surrounding the school was cordoned off, and public transport was rerouted, with armed officers guarding all streets in the vicinity.

The Austrian Red Cross reported that over 160 responders, including emergency doctors and paramedics, were present at the scene. Two information points were established for the school's students and their relatives. Austria's interior minister and chancellor were en route to Graz. The chancellor described the shooting as a "national tragedy" and an "incomprehensible" act of violence.

The president of Austria expressed deep sorrow, stating that the event struck the country at its heart. He acknowledged the pain felt by the families and emphasized the nation's unity in facing the tragedy. Austria has a high rate of civilian firearm ownership, but mass shootings are uncommon.

The president of the European Commission and the EU’s foreign policy chief expressed their condolences and emphasized the importance of school safety. The mayor of Graz described the shooting as a "terrible tragedy," while the Vienna mayor called for solidarity and a commitment to respect in response to the violence.