The shocking event unfolded on Tuesday at BORG Dreierschützengasse school in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city. A former student, armed with a weapon, carried out the attack before taking his own life in a school restroom, according to police reports.

Despite the academic year being on break, students flocked to a designated gathering area near the school on Wednesday to reflect and remember those lost. Local pastor Paul Nitsche emphasized the importance of communal dialogue and silence in the face of such tragedy.

The incident marks one of the most severe school shootings in Europe in the past decade, sending ripples of disbelief across a nation where gun violence is typically uncommon despite high rates of gun ownership. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker promptly responded by canceling scheduled appointments and initiating three days of national mourning. A nationwide moment of silence was held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time to honor the victims and bring the nation together in solidarity.

As the nation processes its grief, communities are banding together to support one another, highlighting the need for conversation and healing in these challenging times.