A tragic incident unfolded on a Tuesday morning in Graz, Austria, as an armed attack occurred at a school in Dreierschützengasse. The rampage resulted in the loss of ten lives with several others sustaining injuries. Among the casualties, the suspected perpetrator is presumed to be included.
The distressing event began around 10:00 a.m. in the district of Lend, with multiple police units and the specialized Cobra unit responding to the scene. Authorities indicated that the assailant, a former student of BORG Dreierschützengasse, was the cause of the mayhem. Reports suggest that shots were fired within the school premises.
Initially, the Ministry of the Interior confirmed nine fatalities, which tragically rose to ten by noon. The deceased primarily consisted of students and at least one adult. The suspected shooter is believed to be among the deceased, having reportedly taken his own life according to Police spokesman Fritz Grundnig.
Reports indicated the presence of several severely injured individuals, with the APA mentioning 30 injured persons, including students and faculty. They were swiftly transported to the LKH Graz hospital, with some in critical condition, potentially leading to a higher death toll. The exact identities of the deceased are currently under investigation, with efforts underway to notify their families.
By 11:30 a.m., the evacuation of the school building was completed, and the situation was deemed secure by midday. Students and teachers were temporarily relocated to the Helmut-List-Halle. Concerned parents were directed to the ASKÖ-Stadion in Graz-Eggenberg for further information and support, where a crisis intervention team was also on standby. The Red Cross mobilized 160 staff members and 65 vehicles to aid those affected, with an additional crisis intervention team of 30 volunteers ready to assist.
Subsequently, the police initiated investigations to ascertain the motive behind the suspected perpetrator’s actions. While early information suggests a sole perpetrator, law enforcement continues to urge the public to avoid the vicinity of the school and comply with security forces.
A plea was made not to disseminate privately recorded videos of the crime scene on social media but to submit them directly to the police. A dedicated upload platform was established by the Ministry to facilitate the submission of videos for evidentiary purposes. Any information or observations regarding the incident are being accepted at all police stations.
Graz Mayor Elke Kahr cKPÖc expressed profound sorrow at the tragic attack in the school, labeling it a "terrible tragedy." She was personally present at the scene and emphasized the need for prioritizing the emotional well-being of the community in the aftermath.
The assault in Graz resonated across the nation, prompting Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker to cancel all commitments and convene a crisis response team. Stocker characterized the school assault as a "national tragedy" that deeply shook the entire country. Internal Minister Gerhard Karner cÖVPc was en route to Graz with plans to address the public with further updates later in the day.
Expressions of sympathy extended beyond Austria, with the EU Commission offering condolences to the families of the victims and the city of Graz. The Commission acknowledged the profound impact of the tragic incident and underscored a collective quest for clarity in the aftermath of the school shooting.
As additional details emerged, it was revealed that the death toll had climbed to ten individuals, including at least one adult. Mayor Elke Kahr disclosed that the perpetrator was among the deceased. Reports from the "Salzburger Nachrichten" implicated a 22-year-old former student who allegedly opened fire in his former classroom, utilizing a pistol and a shotgun that he legally possessed. Allegedly viewing himself as a victim of bullying, this information remains unconfirmed.
The focus shifted to the compassionate response, with the Red Cross promptly deploying resources, including 158 paramedics and over 30 crisis intervention personnel. As the community grappled with the shock and grief, the need for swift and uncomplicated support emerged.
In a time of mourning and reflection, the tragic events that transpired in Graz underscore the fragility of life and the imperative of unity in times of crisis.
