A former student opened fire at a secondary school, igniting shock and somber reflection in a city long considered safe.
Graz Reels as School Shooting Tragedy Claims 11 Lives
Graz Reels as School Shooting Tragedy Claims 11 Lives
Devastation marks Austria's second city following a horrific shooting event
Graz is enveloped in shock and mourning after a devastating school shooting—the deadliest in modern Austrian history—claimed the lives of 11 people, including the shooter. Local resident Reka expressed the disbelief felt by many in the peaceful city, stating, "We never could have imagined that this could have happened here." For years, Austria had remained largely untouched by mass shootings, but all that changed at approximately 10:00 AM on a fateful Tuesday.
The tragedy unfolded as classes commenced at a secondary school located on Dreierschützengasse, which is situated near Graz’s central station. Many students present were reportedly in the midst of final exams. It took the response team just 17 minutes to stabilize the chaotic situation. Tragically, six female and three male victims succumbed to their injuries, and another adult woman later died in a hospital. Several others remain hospitalized, with some in critical condition.
The gunman, a 21-year-old former student, reportedly wielded two legally-owned firearms. Witnesses described him as feeling bullied and marginalized following his failure to pass his final exams. Reka and others in the community voiced their difficulty in processing the loss, highlighting Graz as a "quiet, safe and beautiful" city.
President Alexander Van der Bellen commented on the incident, asserting, "This horror cannot be put into words," acknowledging the impact the tragedy has had on the nation. Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker branded it a "national tragedy" that shook the entire country, emphasizing the shared grief felt by all Austrians. In response to this unspeakable act, a three-day mourning period has been announced, with flags at the Hofburg Palace flying at half-mast.
Despite having one of the highest rates of civilian firearm ownership in Europe, Austria has historically experienced few school shootings. Previous incidents involved far fewer casualties, and the nation is now left to grapple with the emotions stirred by this unprecedented event. The Graz gunman appeared to have no prior criminal background; however, it was revealed that he purchased one of the firearms just a day before the attack.
Community members remain in disbelief, attempting to reconcile the horrors of the day. As one eyewitness stated, "It's horrific. This is my home. I can't understand how so many people my age are dead. This shouldn't happen here."
The tragedy unfolded as classes commenced at a secondary school located on Dreierschützengasse, which is situated near Graz’s central station. Many students present were reportedly in the midst of final exams. It took the response team just 17 minutes to stabilize the chaotic situation. Tragically, six female and three male victims succumbed to their injuries, and another adult woman later died in a hospital. Several others remain hospitalized, with some in critical condition.
The gunman, a 21-year-old former student, reportedly wielded two legally-owned firearms. Witnesses described him as feeling bullied and marginalized following his failure to pass his final exams. Reka and others in the community voiced their difficulty in processing the loss, highlighting Graz as a "quiet, safe and beautiful" city.
President Alexander Van der Bellen commented on the incident, asserting, "This horror cannot be put into words," acknowledging the impact the tragedy has had on the nation. Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker branded it a "national tragedy" that shook the entire country, emphasizing the shared grief felt by all Austrians. In response to this unspeakable act, a three-day mourning period has been announced, with flags at the Hofburg Palace flying at half-mast.
Despite having one of the highest rates of civilian firearm ownership in Europe, Austria has historically experienced few school shootings. Previous incidents involved far fewer casualties, and the nation is now left to grapple with the emotions stirred by this unprecedented event. The Graz gunman appeared to have no prior criminal background; however, it was revealed that he purchased one of the firearms just a day before the attack.
Community members remain in disbelief, attempting to reconcile the horrors of the day. As one eyewitness stated, "It's horrific. This is my home. I can't understand how so many people my age are dead. This shouldn't happen here."
