The Impressive TimesGraz, June 10– In one of the deadliest attacks in Austria’s postwar history, a gunman opened fire inside a secondary school in Graz on Tuesday morning, killing at least 10 people—mostly students—and injuring several others.
Authorities confirmed that the suspected shooter, a 22-year-old former student of the school, died by suicide inside a restroom following the rampage. Preliminary investigations suggest the attacker had a history of bullying complaints and had previously expressed grievances over his treatment during his time at the institution.
According to reports, the attacker stormed into two classrooms around 10:00 a.m. local time and began firing indiscriminately with both a pistol and a shotgun. Among the deceased are believed to be seven students and one adult, likely a teacher, along with the perpetrator himself. At least 30 others sustained injuries, many of them critical.
Austria’s elite COBRA police unit and a police helicopter were swiftly deployed to the scene. Within 90 minutes, security forces declared the situation under control, stating that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The incident has drawn national outrage and grief. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, reacting to the tragedy, described the event as “a national catastrophe that has shaken the soul of the country,” in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter). President Alexander Van der Bellen expressed his condolences, stating, “What happened today strikes our country at its core. Young lives full of promise were cut short, and a teacher lost while guiding them.”
Graz Mayor Elke Kahr confirmed the fatalities included the shooter, several students, and an adult member of the staff.
Emergency response was immediate and extensive. The Austrian Red Cross reported deploying over 160 personnel to the site, including doctors and paramedics. Crisis intervention teams were also stationed at a nearby sports hall where worried families gathered, seeking updates on their loved ones. Two information centers were set up for students and their relatives.
The area around the school remains heavily cordoned off, with armed officers patrolling surrounding streets and public transport services rerouted as a precaution.
Austria has not experienced a mass attack of this magnitude in over a decade. The last such major incident occurred when a man from Bosnia killed three people and injured dozens in a vehicular and knife attack in the same city.
As investigations continue, the country stands united in mourning, with officials pledging a full review of school safety and psychological support systems for youth.
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