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Thursday, Jun 12, 2025
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Austria Declares National Mourning After School Shooting in Graz
Ten dead, including a former student, in one of Austria's deadliest mass shootings; 12 others injured.
Austria is observing three days of national mourning following a tragic shooting event at a high school in Graz, where a 21-year-old gunman fatally shot eight pupils and one adult before taking his own life.
A tenth victim, who had been critically injured, later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total death toll to ten.
In addition, eleven others were reported injured, with some in serious condition.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school, which has approximately 400 students.
The suspected shooter, a former pupil of the school who did not graduate, acted alone and used two legally owned firearms during the attack.
Both weapons were a pistol and a shotgun, reportedly acquired legally.
Chancellor Christian Stocker described the day as a "dark chapter" in the country's history, emphasizing the profound grief felt across Austria.
He announced a national minute of silence at 10 a.m. on Wednesday to commence the mourning period.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that six of the deceased were female and three male, also confirming that the attacker was found dead in a school bathroom shortly after the shooting.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with police securing the area approximately 17 minutes after receiving reports of gunfire.
A major security operation ensued, involving special forces and multiple police units.
Initially, the suspect's identity was not revealed, but it was confirmed that he had no prior criminal record.
In the aftermath of the attack, crisis intervention teams were deployed to assist students and families, with a nearby sports hall serving as a temporary care site.
The school, now the site of national mourning, will remain closed indefinitely, according to the education ministry.
European leaders, including the president of the European Commission and various foreign ministers, expressed their condolences to the Austrian nation and emphasized the importance of safe educational environments for children.
In Austria, where civilian firearm ownership is prevalent — approximately 30 firearms per 100 people — mass shootings are relatively rare.
Previous incidents include a 2020 attack in which four individuals were killed in Vienna, marking a significant deviation from the country's overall safety record.
The recent Graz shooting has sparked renewed discussions regarding gun laws and societal safety in the nation.
Mournful statements continue to emerge from various officials and community leaders, highlighting the collective sorrow felt for the victims, their families, and the profound loss to the community.
A tenth victim, who had been critically injured, later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total death toll to ten.
In addition, eleven others were reported injured, with some in serious condition.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school, which has approximately 400 students.
The suspected shooter, a former pupil of the school who did not graduate, acted alone and used two legally owned firearms during the attack.
Both weapons were a pistol and a shotgun, reportedly acquired legally.
Chancellor Christian Stocker described the day as a "dark chapter" in the country's history, emphasizing the profound grief felt across Austria.
He announced a national minute of silence at 10 a.m. on Wednesday to commence the mourning period.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that six of the deceased were female and three male, also confirming that the attacker was found dead in a school bathroom shortly after the shooting.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with police securing the area approximately 17 minutes after receiving reports of gunfire.
A major security operation ensued, involving special forces and multiple police units.
Initially, the suspect's identity was not revealed, but it was confirmed that he had no prior criminal record.
In the aftermath of the attack, crisis intervention teams were deployed to assist students and families, with a nearby sports hall serving as a temporary care site.
The school, now the site of national mourning, will remain closed indefinitely, according to the education ministry.
European leaders, including the president of the European Commission and various foreign ministers, expressed their condolences to the Austrian nation and emphasized the importance of safe educational environments for children.
In Austria, where civilian firearm ownership is prevalent — approximately 30 firearms per 100 people — mass shootings are relatively rare.
Previous incidents include a 2020 attack in which four individuals were killed in Vienna, marking a significant deviation from the country's overall safety record.
The recent Graz shooting has sparked renewed discussions regarding gun laws and societal safety in the nation.
Mournful statements continue to emerge from various officials and community leaders, highlighting the collective sorrow felt for the victims, their families, and the profound loss to the community.
