Fifteen people were killed in a shocking shooting incident at a secondary school in Graz, Austria. This tragedy has shaken their community to its core. The tragic event unfolded at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school around 10 am local time, when a gunman opened fire in two classrooms. Among the deceased are several students and a teacher, along with the 22-year-old shooter, who was reportedly a former pupil of the institution.
Austria’s authorities said the gunman was armed with one legally owned pistol and a shotgun. After killing and injuring dozens, he pointed one of the weapons at himself and ended his own life. This incident marks the deadliest school shooting in Austria’s post-war history, with reports indicating that as many as 30 individuals sustained injuries, some of which are serious.
In reaction, police deployed a massive and aggressive crowd control operation like none you’ve ever seen for about 90 minutes. Special forces and police helicopters were deployed to ensure public safety. After they took control of the site, law enforcement officials announced “no further threat.”
The emotional toll of this tragedy has struck a chord nationally, with public officials and private citizens mourning in unison. Christian Stocker, the Swiss government’s spokesperson, labeled the attack a “national tragedy.” He underscored that it has profoundly rocked our whole nation on its foundations. He continued, “No words exist to convey the pain and grief that all of us in Austria are experiencing.”
Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen said he was deeply moved to hear of so many young lives lost. He continued, “Today’s tragedy hits our nation at its core. These were young people who had their entire lives ahead of them plus a teacher who helped guide them along.
The shared tragedy has fostered calls for unity and deeper reflection within the community. Michael Ludwig, the Mayor of Vienna, emphasized the necessity for solidarity: “We must stand together as a society. Hate and violence must never gain the upper hand. Our response to this must be an even stronger commitment to solidarity and respect.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was “very worried.” She said, “It’s difficult to accept when schools are turned into scenes of death and carnage.”
Two information points have been established for the students and relatives affected by this horrific incident. Authorities are committed to providing support and resources to those in need during this difficult time.