In the aftermath of a horrific school shooting in Graz, Austria, police have unveiled shocking revelations about the suspect's preparations for further violence. Investigation teams discovered abandoned plans for a bomb attack at the home of the alleged gunman, a 21-year-old former student of Dreierschützengasse secondary school, which was the scene of the massacre that left ten fatalities.
Alongside the plans, authorities found a non-functional pipe bomb, a farewell letter, and a video during the search conducted soon after the tragic events. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, marks the deadliest school shooting in Austria's history, with ten victims, including a teacher and nine students aged 14 to 17, all but one of whom were Austrian citizens.
The perpetrator, whose identity has not been disclosed, took his own life in a school bathroom shortly after the incident. Initial reports indicate that he was not previously known to law enforcement and legally possessed the firearms used in the attack—a handgun and a shotgun.
The police response was swift, with units arriving at the school just six minutes after the first emergency call. Their rapid intervention was credited with saving lives, as reports indicate that at least 11 more individuals sustained injuries during the shooting but are not in critical condition.
As a result of the attack, security measures around educational institutions in Graz have been intensified, and a crisis intervention center has been established to support affected families and students. Mourning reverberates through the community, with three days of national grieving declared and ceremonies held in honor of the victims.
While the investigation continues, with authorities planning to interview hundreds and examine digital evidence, the community grapples with the grief and trauma inflicted by this tragic event. As citizens light candles in remembrance, the impact of this tragedy resonates deeply throughout Austria, reminding the nation of its heart-wrenching history of mass violence.
