Austria Mourns Victims of School Shooting, Investigation Underway

Austria is in a state of mourning following a devastating mass shooting at a school in Graz. A lone gunman took the lives of ten individuals and injured twelve others on Tuesday morning, marking one of the most tragic events in the nation's history.

The attack prompted strong reactions from the country's leaders. Chancellor Christian Stocker described the day as a "dark day" and a "national tragedy." President Alexander Van der Bellen expressed the profound sorrow felt, emphasizing the loss of young lives and a teacher.

The shooting took place around 10 am at the BORG Dreierschutzengasse secondary school, located near the historic center of Graz. The response was swift, with over 300 police officers and ambulances arriving at the scene within minutes. Graz, the capital of Styria and Austria's second-largest city, was shaken by the event.

The victims included students and an adult. Authorities confirmed that at least seven of the deceased were students. The injured were transported to various hospitals throughout the city. Details about the victims' ages were not immediately released, but it was confirmed that six of the deceased were female and three were male.

The shooter, a 21-year-old resident of the Graz area and a former student of the school, used two legally owned firearms in the attack. Authorities believe he took his own life in the school's toilet. Investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the shooting.

In response to the tragedy, Austria has declared a three-day period of national mourning. Public events in the state of Styria have been canceled. A memorial service was held at Graz cathedral, attended by key government officials. The police investigation is ongoing.