Unraveling the Graz Amok Runner Controversy: A 21-Year-Old's Deadly Rampage
Gunman in Graz was a 21-year-old local resident.
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Print Copy link Shots echoed through the Austrian city of Graz's educational hub amidst oral finals, leaving Sorrows and Scars. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, accompanied by security authorities, addressed the pressing questions at a subsequent press conference.
The Scene of Carnage
BORG (Bundesoberstufenrealgymnasium) school, located on Dreierschützengasse, was the epicenter of the harrowing incident. Serving students aged 14 and above, the school houses approximately 40 teachers and 17 classes. Sirens blared as special units rushed to the scene, securing the situation within a mere 17 minutes, as stated by Minister Gerhard Karner, General Director for Public Security Franz Ruf, and Styrian Police Director Gerald Ortner at the press conference. Soon after, rescue services commenced their life-saving efforts.
Around 300 responders flocked to the area, treating wounded students on site. The school was evacuated, and students and teachers were escorted to a safe meeting point. The horror unfolded during the school's standard exams. This heinous act is considered the most devastating attack on an Austrian school to date, according to ORF reports.
Bleak Panorama
Initially, the perpetrator claimed ten lives, with nine fatalities occurring at the scene. Half were female, and the remaining half were male, as Karner confirmed. Twelve injuries, some severe, ensued as a result. A woman later succumbed to her wounds in the hospital, bringing the death toll to eleven, with the last casualty being the perpetrator himself. Media speculations hint at a teacher among the deceased; however, this hasn't been officially verified.
The Killer's Identity
The perpetrator, a 21-year-old resident of the Graz region, was a former student of the school who failed to graduate. Despite his notorious actions, he managed to acquire firearms legally, having a weapons permit card. After his horrific crime spree, he took his own life within the school's restroom facilities. Karner ensured the public that this was a solitary attacker.
Arsenal of Doom
The perpetrator possessed two weapons during the incident, notably a long gun and a short handgun, as revealed by Ruf and Ortner at the press conference. The media had previously mentioned a shotgun and a pistol, and it seems the perpetrator had acquired these firearms recently. It's significant to note that while rifle and shotgun ownership is allowed for Austrian citizens over 18 years old, they must be registered with authorities within six weeks, and handguns, such as pistols, revolvers, and semi-automatic firearms, can be acquired by those over 21 who possess a weapon license. No inherent psychological evaluation or examination is mandatory, and law enforcement remains in the dark concerning the perpetrator's statements or whether a psychological assessment was carried out.
The Trigger: Reason Behind the Rampage
Currently, limited information is available regarding the provocations that led the young man to engage in such a violent act. The investigation is in its infancy, and though various news outlets propose a vengeful motive sparked by bullying, official sources advise against jumping to conclusions until further evidence has been uncovered.
No Further Threats
The police have since declared the situation under control and ensure that no additional danger is present. The injured students and parents are being provided with accommodations and emotional support in nearby halls. The authorities request that the public refrain from uploading images or videos relating to the incident on social media, as they are essential for ongoing investigations.
Reactions Galore
As the nation grapples with this unspeakable act of violence, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) echoes sympathies for the victims and their loved ones, referring to the event as a "national tragedy." Austrians have been called to unite in empathy and support as schools are urged to remain sanctuaries of peace. In a show of solidarity, a nationwide moment of silence has been scheduled for Thursday mornings.
Flags are being flown at half-mast throughout Austria, and a three-day state of mourning has been announced. Affected regions are canceling all public events for the following three days, with an emphasis on processing emotions and offering care to the many lives forever altered by the events. Austria's neighbor, Germany, has extended its condolences to those affected.
Source: ntv.de, sba/spl
- Austria
- Graz Tragedy
- Under the light of the Graz Tragedy, there is growing demand for a comprehensive review of both the community policy and employment policy within Austria to address mental health concerns and prevent such violent acts in the future.
- In light of the recent Graz Amok Runner Controversy, political discussions have emerged over the need for stricter regulations on firearm ownership, particularly pertaining to psychological evaluations for weapon license applicants within the realm of general-news and crime-and-justice.
