School Shooting in Austria Leaves Ten Dead
Tragedy Unfolds in Graz as Gunman Takes His Own Life
A devastating school shooting in Graz, Austria, overnight resulted in the deaths of ten people and left numerous others injured before the perpetrator, a 21-year-old former student, died by suicide. The attack has plunged the nation into mourning and sparked renewed debate over gun control.
Details of the Attack
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at the BORG Dreierschützengasse high school around 10:00 AM local time. Over 300 police officers were dispatched to the scene, swiftly evacuating the building. Security was restored within 17 minutes, according to officials.
The assailant, identified as a 21-year-old Austrian man residing near Graz, had previously attended the school but did not complete his studies. He legally possessed two firearms – a long gun and a handgun – which were recovered at the scene. He took his own life in a bathroom within the school building.
National Mourning and Response
Austrian Chancellor **Christian Stocker** described the event as a national tragedy that shocks us deeply
and announced three days of national mourning. The Austrian flag will be flown at half-staff at all official buildings, and a national minute of silence will be observed on Wednesday morning to honor the victims.
According to the Small Arms Survey, Austria has an estimated 1.5 million legally owned firearms, representing a rate of 17.4 firearms per 100 people. Small Arms Survey
Victims and Support
Interior Minister **Gerhard Karner** stated that six of the deceased were female and three were male. Twelve individuals sustained injuries in the attack. The state hospital in Graz later confirmed that a tenth victim, an adult woman, succumbed to her injuries, as reported by the Austria Press Agency.
The Austrian Red Cross deployed 65 ambulances and 158 emergency personnel to provide medical assistance. Additionally, 40 trained psychologists are offering counseling services to students and parents. The Red Cross has also issued an urgent call for blood donations from the public.
Witness **Metin Özden**, a local kebab restaurant owner, recounted hearing police sirens and a helicopter overhead. He told the Krone newspaper, I knew something bad had happened… I’ve never seen so many emergency services in my entire life.
He also observed distraught parents rushing past his restaurant towards the school.
This incident marks the deadliest attack in Austria’s post-World War II history, prompting a national conversation about safety and security within educational institutions.
