A 21-year-old gunman opened fire at Dreierschützengasse secondary school in Graz, killing nine individuals and injuring twelve others before taking his own life. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting, which marks the deadliest mass shooting in Austria's recent history and has left the nation in shock.
Tragedy Strikes Austria: Deadly School Shooting in Graz
Tragedy Strikes Austria: Deadly School Shooting in Graz
A devastating attack at a secondary school in Graz resulted in nine fatalities and prompted a national period of mourning in Austria as officials investigate the incident.
In a tragedy that has shocked the nation, a 21-year-old man opened fire at Dreierschützengasse secondary school in Graz, Austria, leading to the deaths of nine people and leaving twelve more injured. The horrific event unfolded Tuesday morning at approximately 10:00 AM local time, as students were attending classes. The shooter, a former student of the school who did not graduate, later took his own life in a bathroom.
Witnesses recounted a harrowing scene as the first shots rang out, with panic rippling through the classrooms. One student initially mistook the gunfire for construction noise, while another described how their teacher promptly locked the doors. Local residents reported hearing dozens of shots, prompting immediate calls to law enforcement.
In just 17 minutes, police responded with over 300 officers, including a tactical unit. Six females and three males were among the dead, and later, another woman succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
The identity of the shooter has not been publicly released, but police reported finding a "farewell letter" and a non-functional pipe bomb at his home. He legally owned the firearms used in the attack, raising questions about Austria's gun laws, which allow ownership under strict regulations.
This tragic event marks Austria's most deadly mass shooting in recent history, igniting a three-day period of mourning across the nation. The roots of the gunman's motives remain unclear, but officials continue their investigation into both the attack and the preparedness of schools for such incidents.
This shocking event is a stark reminder of the real implications of gun violence, even in a country often considered safe. As the nation mourns, discussions surrounding gun regulations and school safety are likely to intensify in the wake of this tragedy.
