Authorities persist in tracking down leads at the educational institution
Graz School Rampage: Renewed Efforts and Insights into the Killer's Mind
Investigators are still combing through the aftermath of last Tuesday's tragic shooting at a Graz school. On Thursday, they continued their tireless work, gathering evidence and scrutinizing the crime scene, providing updates at a press conference later that day.
Two days after the harrowing ordeal, Austrian authorities' investigations are widening. They're examining evidence, questioning witnesses, and scrutinizing data not just from the school, but also the gunman's and school's immediate surroundings, according to Austria's news agency APA. This comprehensive probe could extend for several days yet.
A dedicated platform has been set up for the public to submit photos and videos from the rampage. These submissions are currently being reviewed. The press conference will be held at 11:30 AM, led by the Styrian regional police and Graz public prosecutor's office, shedding light on the ongoing investigation.
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A 21-year-old former student, now a tragic perpetrator, entered his former school on Tuesday morning, where oral exams for the Matura—Austria's Abitur equivalent—were underway. He left behind a trail of nine student lives extinguished, one teacher's life taken, and eleven severely injured individuals. The gunman, who later committed suicide in a school toilet, was reportedly a former student from the Graz area.
The tragedy sent shockwaves across Austria. In response, the government declared a three-day national mourning period, concluding on Thursday evening with a memorial service at Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral, attended by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Christian Stocker.
Unraveling the Within: Unveiling the Perpetrator's Mind
The latest intelligence from Austrian authorities reveals that the gunman had meticulously prepared for the attack, as evidence surfaced in his residence, including a non-functional pipe bomb, notes, and plans. However, the notes didn't reveal a clear motive for the attack, nor did a farewell letter that seemed to apologize to his family[1].
Key aspects of the investigation so far are as follows:
- Planning and Preparation: The gunman spent significant time preparing for the attack, as indicated by the items found in his house.
- Personal Life: The perpetrator led a secluded existence, had few social interactions beyond online gaming[1], and had dropped out of school three years prior without graduating[1].
- Attack Details: He stormed his former school at 9:43 am on Tuesday, armed with a Glock 19 pistol, a sawn-off double-barrelled shotgun, and ammunition[1].
The investigation continues, with authorities delving deep to understand the motivations behind this senseless act of violence.
- Amidst the grueling investigation into the Graz School Rampage, questions about Austria's gun policies have surfaced, sparking intense debates in the realm of politics.
- With the shockwave of the school tragedy extending beyond Austria's borders, general news outlets worldwide have reported on the incident, alongside coverage of other war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice incidents.
