A devastating tragic incident unfolded at the Dreierschützengasse secondary school in Graz, Austria, on Tuesday, when a 21-year-old male shooter opened fire, resulting in the deaths of nine people, including several students, and leaving twelve others injured. This heartbreaking event marks the deadliest mass shooting in Austria's recent history, leading the country to declare three days of mourning.
At approximately 10:00 AM local time, panic gripped the school as students were startled by the first shots. A student, identified as F, recounted initially mistaking the noise for construction sounds. Others shared how teachers quickly locked classrooms, while local residents reported hearing multiple gunshots. One couple witnessed students attempting to flee as the shooter ultimately took his own life in a bathroom shortly after the attack.
The tragic toll includes six females and three males killed, along with a seventh victim who succumbed to injuries later in the hospital. Reports indicate that many of those affected were students at the school. A local resident expressed her sorrow, having been close to a victim's family, stating, “What happened yesterday is completely awful; the whole of Austria is in mourning.”
Police are currently investigating the background of the shooter, who was a former student of the school and did not graduate. Authorities have stated that the gunman acted alone, and during searches of his home, a "farewell letter" and a non-functional pipe bomb were discovered. It has been reported that he legally owned the firearms used in the attack.
Austria's gun laws permit ownership of firearms under strict regulations, with a notable prevalence of guns among civilians. The nation has historically seen limited occurrences of school shootings, but this incident stands out as a stark reminder of potential vulnerabilities.
Despite a general perception of safety in Austria, the incident has prompted discussions about school preparedness for emergencies. Austrian journalist Fanny Gasser highlighted this lack of readiness, emphasizing a collective shock within the nation. Vigils are being held across the country, uniting citizens in remembrance and mourning for the victims of this heartbreaking tragedy.
