Gunman in Graz was a 21-year-old local resident.
Get the latest updates on the tragic shooting incident that occurred at the Bundesoberstufenrealgymnasium in Graz, Austria.
What Went Down?
A violent incident rocked the Dreierschützengasse area of Graz, home to BORG, a school primarily serving students from age 14 upwards. A mass shooting unfolded in the school, leading to a chaotic scene. Special units were quickly dispatched to secure the area, and the situation was neutralized within 17 minutes, according to authority representatives at a press conference.
Key Details:
- Shots rang out at the school around 10 am, disrupting oral final exams.
- The situation was brought under control, and rescue services were able to respond.
- At least 300 personnel were on site to manage the aftermath.
- The building was evacuated, with students and teachers led to a safe meeting point.
- This incident appears to be the most devastating attack on an Austrian school to date.
Casualties Reported:
- Nine people, six females, and three males, were killed by the perpetrator.
- The perpetrator took his own life.
- Twelve individuals, some severely injured, are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals.
- Reports suggest two individuals are in critical condition and undergoing surgery.
- Initial reports do not confirm that a teacher was among the deceased.
Identifying the Perpetrator:
- The 21-year-old perpetrator hails from the Graz area and was a former student of the gymnasium but did not graduate.
- Authorities have confirmed that there was only one perpetrator.
Weapons Used:
- The perpetrator utilized two weapons, referred to initially as a shotgun and pistol, but later confirmed by authorities as a long and a short weapon.
- It is known that the perpetrator legally possessed the weapons, having a valid weapon permit card.
Speculations on Motive:
- The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
- Some media outlets have speculated that the former student may have been acting out of revenge due to past bulllying experiences. However, this has not been confirmed by authorities.
Ongoing Threat and Reactions:
- The situation is considered safe since midday, and there is no further danger.
- Parents and uninjured students are being housed in nearby community centers, where crisis intervention teams are providing support.
- Authorities urge the public not to share images or videos from the incident on social media as they are essential for ongoing investigations and should be uploaded to the Ministry of the Interior's designated website.
National Mourning and International Condolences:
- Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker has declared a nationwide minute of silence for the following morning and ordered all public buildings to fly flags at half-mast for a three-day national mourning period.
- Condolences have poured in from Germany, with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressing "deep shock" and offering sympathy to the victims' families.
- Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul has expressed "shock" and sympathy to the bereaved and injured.
Note: This piece is purely informational and does not aim to incite fear, violence, or discriminatory sentiments.
Sources:[1] ntv.de[2] Die Presse[3] Kleine Zeitung[4] ORF
- In light of the recent school shooting in Graz, Austria, questions regarding the community and employment policies in place to prevent such incidents may arise in the realm of general-news and politics discussions.
- The tragedy in Graz, Austria, involving a mass shooting at a school, serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of implementing comprehensive community and employment policies to address crime-and-justice issues, especially those related to young adults.
