GRAZ, Austria (AP) — A tragic shooting incident occurred at a school in Austria's second-largest city, Graz, on Tuesday, resulting in the death of 10 individuals. This event marks the deadliest attack in Austria's postwar history, as authorities report that numerous others were also wounded during the assault. The shooter, who has since died by suicide, was found in a bathroom within the school premises.
The shooter, a 21-year-old former student of the BORG Dreierschützengasse high school, reportedly used two weapons which he appeared to have legally acquired. While specific details regarding the motive remain unclear, it has been confirmed that he did not complete his studies at the institution. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that privacy rules prevent the release of the shooter's name.
The attack began shortly after 10 a.m., prompting a swift response from law enforcement and special forces who arrived at the scene to secure the area. By 11:30 a.m., police announced that the school had been evacuated successfully, and all individuals were directed to a safe meeting point. Earlier reports indicated that approximately 12 individuals sustained injuries apart from the fatalities.
In response to this harrowing event, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared a national period of mourning lasting three days, during which the Austrian flag will be flown at half-staff. A minute of silence is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday as the nation reflects on this act of violence that shattered the sense of security traditionally associated with educational institutions. Stocker emphasized the importance of schools as spaces of trust and learning, stating, “The fact that this safe space was shattered by such an act of violence leaves us speechless.”
Graz, located in southeastern Austria, has a population of around 300,000 residents. Notably, this attack adds to the history of significant violent incidents within the country. Previous attacks of note include the 2020 Vienna shooting, in which four people were killed, and a 2019 incident involving multiple fatalities linked to personal disputes. There was also a notable attack in 2015 when a man drove an SUV through a crowd in Graz, leading to three deaths and over 30 injuries.
Austria has comparatively liberal gun laws within the European Union, where firearms are often acquired for hunting rather than self-defense. Individuals aged 18 and older can purchase certain types of firearms without a permit, provided they do not have any active weapons bans against them. However, acquiring more complex weapons involves a stringent process that necessitates a gun ownership card.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges concerning gun violence and public safety in Austria and across the globe. It highlights the profound impact such incidents can have on communities, particularly in environments that are supposed to offer safety and security, such as schools.
