Authorities hunt for explanations as Austria grieves for the victims in one of the country's deadliest shooting tragedies ever recorded.
Austin's city is in shock after a terrifying shooting spree at a high school robbed ten innocent lives on its streets. The gruesome incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, claimed the lives of nine young students and one teacher, with ages ranging between 14 and 17. The lone perpetrator, a 21-year-old Austrian national, attended the very school he mercilessly targeted but did not graduate.
As the nation grapples with this heartrending tragedy, citizens gathered near the crime scene to pay their respects in a solemn minute of silence, 24 hours after the horrifying event.
Austrian authorities descended upon the gunman's residence, uncovering some clues that may shed light on his motives. Officers uncovered a suicide note, a chilling video message, and a non-functional homemade bomb. The handwritten note, a digital video message, and a failed pipe bomb have been secured for further investigation.
Graz police spokesperson, Sabri Yorgun, provided some details, stating, "We have carried out a search operation at the home address of the... suspect from the district of Graz... and have been able to establish that there was a suicide note both in digital form, via video message, and in handwritten form."
Information on the tenth victim's identity has been withheld as family members are notified. Nine survivors, all Austrians, continue to battle their injuries, including one in intensive care, while another will need follow-up surgery for facial injuries, and another will require knee surgery due to injuries sustained.
The shooting took place in the northwest of Graz at approximately 10 a.m. local time. Responding officers quickly deployed numerous vehicles and a police helicopter to the scene. The suspect, who used a rifle and a handgun, fatally shot himself in a school bathroom after the rampage.
While the reasons behind such a heinous act remain a mystery, it is important to note that such incidents are unfortunate but rare in Austria. Austria has one of the lowest rates of firearm homicides in Europe, at only 0.1 per 100,000 people in 2021. However, Austria's gun ownership is higher compared to most EU countries, with 30 civilian firearms for every 100 citizens.
While the nation struggles to cope with their grief and seeks answers, it's crucial to remember the victims: nine young students whose lives were tragically cut short, one devoted teacher, and the disturbed perpetrator whose actions have forever changed their lives.
The shocking incident of the school shooting in Graz, which has claimed ten lives and left nine survivors with severe injuries, has sparked extensive discussions in both the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors. Austrian authorities, in their investigation, have uncovered a suicide note, a chilling video message, and a non-functional homemade bomb from the suspect's residence.
