In Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, a profound sense of shock and sorrow permeates the community following a tragic school shooting that resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, including the shooter. Witnesses and residents express their disbelief that such violence could erupt in a place they considered safe.
The chilling incident occurred at around 10:00 AM on Tuesday, when a 21-year-old former student launched an attack at a secondary school located in Dreierschützengasse, near the main train station. Classes were in session, with some students preparing for final exams. The situation escalated quickly but was contained by police within 17 minutes. Tragically, six female victims and three male victims lost their lives, and hours later, a seventh female victim died in the hospital, while several others remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
The gunman, identified as a local man armed with two firearms, took his own life at the crime scene. Reports suggest that he had a history of being bullied and was previously a student at the school, yet had failed to pass his final exams. Local resident Reka expressed her disbelief, highlighting the city's reputation as a safe and serene location. “This area is quiet, safe and beautiful. People are nice, the school is good,” she lamented.
Austria's President, Alexander Van der Bellen, expressed deep sorrow, stating: “What happened today in a school in Graz hits our country right in the heart.” He continued by recognizing the immeasurable pain felt by the families impacted by this horrific event. Similarly, Chancellor Christian Stocker referred to the incident as a national tragedy that has rocked the entire nation. In response to the tragedy, three days of national mourning have been declared, with flags flying at half-mast at official buildings, including the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.
Despite Austria having one of the highest rates of civilian firearm ownership in Europe, mass shootings are a rarity. Past incidents, while tragic, have resulted in far fewer casualties. Notable previous occurrences include singular shootings in schools and public spaces, yet none as devastating as this.
As investigations continue and the community begins to grapple with this staggering loss, many residents are left in disbelief at how such tragedy could strike in their beloved home city. A local young man remarked, “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 chilling incident occurred at around 10:00 AM on Tuesday, when a 21-year-old former student launched an attack at a secondary school located in Dreierschützengasse, near the main train station. Classes were in session, with some students preparing for final exams. The situation escalated quickly but was contained by police within 17 minutes. Tragically, six female victims and three male victims lost their lives, and hours later, a seventh female victim died in the hospital, while several others remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
The gunman, identified as a local man armed with two firearms, took his own life at the crime scene. Reports suggest that he had a history of being bullied and was previously a student at the school, yet had failed to pass his final exams. Local resident Reka expressed her disbelief, highlighting the city's reputation as a safe and serene location. “This area is quiet, safe and beautiful. People are nice, the school is good,” she lamented.
Austria's President, Alexander Van der Bellen, expressed deep sorrow, stating: “What happened today in a school in Graz hits our country right in the heart.” He continued by recognizing the immeasurable pain felt by the families impacted by this horrific event. Similarly, Chancellor Christian Stocker referred to the incident as a national tragedy that has rocked the entire nation. In response to the tragedy, three days of national mourning have been declared, with flags flying at half-mast at official buildings, including the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.
Despite Austria having one of the highest rates of civilian firearm ownership in Europe, mass shootings are a rarity. Past incidents, while tragic, have resulted in far fewer casualties. Notable previous occurrences include singular shootings in schools and public spaces, yet none as devastating as this.
As investigations continue and the community begins to grapple with this staggering loss, many residents are left in disbelief at how such tragedy could strike in their beloved home city. A local young man remarked, “It's horrific. This is my home. I can't understand how so many people my age are dead. This shouldn't happen here.”
