Tragedy Strikes Graz: Former Student Kills Nine in School Rampage

The city of Graz, Austria, was plunged into mourning today following a horrific school shooting at the BORG Dreierschützengasse high school. Authorities confirmed that at least nine people were killed in the attack, along with the suspected gunman, a 21-year-old former student of the institution. The incident, which unfolded rapidly on a Tuesday morning, has deeply shaken the nation and prompted a declaration of three days of national mourning by Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.
Reports indicate that the assailant, whose motive remains unclear, entered the school and opened fire with two legally owned firearms, a pistol and a shotgun. The sound of gunshots filled the air shortly after 10:00 AM local time, leading to immediate panic and a swift response from emergency services. Special forces, including the Cobra tactical unit, were deployed to the scene, and a major police operation commenced, involving numerous officers, paramedics, and even a helicopter.
Among the deceased are multiple students and at least one adult. The mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, described the event as a "terrible tragedy," echoing the sentiments of a grieving nation grappling with an act of unimaginable violence. Initial reports from local media, citing unconfirmed sources, suggested the gunman may have been a victim of bullying during his time at the school. He reportedly fired shots in two classrooms, one of which was his former classroom.
The quick response from law enforcement led to the rapid evacuation of all pupils and teachers from the school building. Police later confirmed that the school had been secured and there was no longer any danger to the public. Injured students were reportedly cared for at the nearby Helmut List Hall, an events venue, while parents and relatives gathered at an emergency response center set up at the ASKÖ Hall, where crisis teams provided support.
The suspect was found dead in a school toilet, having reportedly taken his own life after the shooting spree. Police are currently working on the assumption that he acted alone. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed at a press conference in Graz that the shooter was a former student who did not complete his studies at the school.
This incident marks a dark day in Austria's history, a country that has experienced relatively few mass shootings in comparison to some other nations. Chancellor Stocker emphasized the profound grief felt across Austria, stating, "Through this incomprehensible act, young people have been torn from the lives they still had ahead of them. There are no words to express the pain and grief that everyone across Austria is feeling right now." The national flag will be lowered to half-staff, and a national minute of mourning will be observed on Wednesday. The investigation into the full circumstances and motivations behind this devastating act is ongoing.
Source@BBC