A horrific act of violence unfolded today at a secondary school in Graz, Austria, leaving at least eight people dead in a mass shooting incident. Authorities have confirmed that the suspected shooter also died by suicide at the scene. The incident has sent shockwaves through the typically peaceful nation, prompting an immediate and large-scale police response.
The tragic events began this morning when gunshots were reported at the BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in the city of Graz. Emergency services, including specialized police units and paramedics, swiftly converged on the scene. Local media reports, citing unnamed officials, indicate that a devastating toll of at least eight lives has been claimed, though official confirmation on the exact number of fatalities and injuries from the Interior Ministry is still pending. The ministry has stated only that there are “several fatalities.”
Initial reports suggest that the perpetrator, believed to be a student at the school, took their own life in a school restroom following the rampage. This development has been reported by Austrian public broadcaster ORF and other local news outlets. While police have not yet officially confirmed the identity of the shooter or the precise circumstances of their death, a police spokesperson did indicate that the perpetrator likely killed themselves.
The immediate priority for law enforcement has been to secure the building and ensure the safety of those inside. By late morning, Graz police confirmed via social media that the school had been evacuated, and both students and staff were moved to a secure location. They further declared the area “secure,” indicating no ongoing threat at the site.
The shooting has left the community of Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, in a state of shock and grief. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence, even in countries with stringent gun control laws like Austria. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind this horrific act and to piece together the full timeline of events. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.