In a tragic turn of events, a former student has taken the lives of ten individuals, including himself, in a secondary school shooting in Graz, Austria. This incident marks the most devastating school shooting in the country’s history.
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Interior Minister Gerhard Karner reported that among the deceased, six were male, and three were female. Additionally, twelve others were injured in the attack, though specific details regarding the victims have not been disclosed. Local media suggest that the majority of the victims were students.
As the evening unfolded, a local hospital confirmed the death of one of the critically injured adults, raising the death toll to ten.
While the motive behind this heart-wrenching act remains unclear, police suspect that the 21-year-old shooter, discovered lifeless in a bathroom, acted alone during the assault, arriving at the school armed with two firearms.
“There are no words for the pain and grief that we all—every one of us in Austria—are feeling right now,” lamented Chancellor Christian Stocker. He traveled to Graz, where he, alongside other officials including Minister Karner, announced three days of national mourning and called for a minute of silence at 10 am local time tomorrow.
In response to the attack, police established a perimeter around the school, preventing access routes while ensuring the safety of relatives and students who were evacuated.
Unconfirmed reports from the Salzburger Nachrichten suggest that the shooter may have previously been a victim of bullying. Armed with a pistol and a shotgun, he targeted students in two classrooms, including one he had attended himself.
Police responded swiftly, arriving on the scene shortly after shots rang out around 10 am. A police spokesperson stated, “It is not yet possible to provide any information about the motive. Extensive criminal investigations are still required.”
Julia Ebner, an expert on extremism at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, emphasized the severity of the incident, noting that school shootings of this magnitude are rare in Austria, particularly compared to countries like the United States. “I am deeply shaken that young people were torn from their lives so abruptly,” expressed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a heartfelt message of support.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed these sentiments on X, stating, “Every child should feel safe at school and be able to learn free from fear and violence. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Austrian people in this dark moment.”
Austria’s civilian population is among the most heavily armed in Europe, with an estimated 30 firearms per 100 individuals. While machine guns and pump action firearms are prohibited, the possession of revolvers, pistols, and semi-automatic weapons is allowed under official authorization. Rifles and shotguns can be owned with appropriate licenses.
It’s important to note that while school shootings are rarely observed in Europe compared to the United States, the continent has witnessed a rise in violence in educational settings in recent years. Recent incidents include a stabbing in southern Austria and multiple attacks in Slovakia and Croatia—reminders of the urgent need for dialogue and action regarding safety in schools.
As we navigate through this somber time, let us hold close the memories of those lost and strive for a future where children can feel secure in their learning environments.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
