The city of Graz is engulfed in shock and sorrow following Austria's most devastating school shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, including the perpetrator. Local resident Reka expressed disbelief at the totality of the tragedy, stating, "We never could have imagined that this could have happened here, in our place. It's a sad day for the whole city."
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on a typical Tuesday when the attacker, a 21-year-old former student, opened fire at a secondary school located close to Graz's main station. Classes were ongoing, and many students were preparing for final exams. After 17 intense minutes, law enforcement managed to contain the offensive, which saw six female and three male victims succumb, with a seventh female victim later losing her life in the hospital due to her injuries. Several others remain hospitalized, some in critical condition.
The shooter had reportedly faced bullying throughout his school years and was armed with two legally owned firearms. Both local residents and national leaders expressed their shock at the violence unleashed in what has been regarded as a safe and peaceful community. Austria's President, Alexander Van der Bellen, expressed his deep sorrow, emphasizing that the incident touches the heart of the country, stating, "These were young people who had their whole lives ahead of them."
Chancellor Christian Stocker characterized the event as a "national tragedy," stating that the entire nation feels the immense pain and grief that came forth from this act of violence. In recognition of the incident's severity, three days of national mourning have been declared, with flags at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna flown at half-mast.
Despite being one of Europe's most heavily armed states, Austria has enjoyed relative peace regarding school shootings. Prior incidents have occurred over the years but were considerably less lethal. This recent atrocity resonates on a profound level, reflecting the urgent need for discussions around mental health, bullying, and gun ownership regulations. The Graz shooter, who had previously attempted to get his diploma, reportedly purchased one firearm just a day prior to the attack, highlighting escalating concerns over firearm accessibility.
The heartbreaking scenes of loss, particularly among youthful victims, have initiated calls for reflection and action within the community of Graz, urging a reassessment of societal dynamics that could lead to such senseless violence.
