Gunman in Graz was a local 21-year-old individual.
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A horrifying event unfolded when gunfire echoed through a high school in Graz, Austria, during oral final exams, resulting in unimaginable casualties and injuries. The chaos was swiftly contained, allowing for a press conference led by Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and other security officials to address the pressing questions.
The Heart-Stopping Moment
At approximately 10 a.m., the Federal Upper Secondary Real Gymnasium (BORG) in Graz's Dreierschützengasse was shattered by gunshots. This institution caters to students aged 14 and above, with a total of 17 classes and around 40 teachers according to its website. Special units were promptly dispatched, and order was restored within a mere 17 minutes, as confirmed by Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, General Director for Public Security Franz Ruf, and Styrian Police Director Gerald Ortner at a press conference. After the restoration of security, rescue services swooped into action.
Approximately 300 emergency services personnel gathered at the scene, where injured students were readily treated, and the building was evacuated. The majority of students and teachers were guided to a safe designated meeting spot. Oral final exams were ongoing when the tragedy took place. This attack marked the most devastating school attack in Austrian history, as reported by ORF.
Witnessing the Panorama of Panic
The perpetrator claimed the lives of nine innocent souls and then ended his own life, according to Karner's statements at the press conference. Six of the victims were women, while three were men. The tenth fatality was the gunman himself. Apart from the deceased, there were twelve injured, some critically, who were rushed to different hospitals. Two of the wounded are in critical condition, undergoing surgery at present. Speculation surrounds the inclusion of a teacher among the deceased, but it remains unconfirmed by the authorities.
The Perpetrator's Identity
The 21-year-old killer was a local resident of Graz, as announced by General Director for Public Security Franz Ruf and Styrian Police Director Gerald Ortner at the press conference. The perpetrator was a one-time student of the gymnasium but failed to graduate.
A Tragic Arsenal
Ruf and Ortner confirmed at the press conference that the perpetrator wielded two weapons - "a long and a short weapon." Initial reports suggested a shotgun and a pistol. The perpetrator is believed to have acquired these weapons recently. Police Director Ortner confirmed that the perpetrator legally possessed the weapon and held a weapons permit card.
Austria's Gun Culture
In Austria, owning rifles and shotguns is permitted for individuals aged 18 and above, but they must be registered with the authorities within six weeks. Handguns such as pistols, revolvers, and semi-automatic firearms can only be acquired by those aged 21 and above, providing they hold a weapons license. A psychological evaluation may be required, but it is not mandatory. The specifics of the perpetrator's justification for possessing the deadly weapons remain unclear.
The Trigger Behind the Tragedy
Insights into the murderer's motive are limited, yet extensive investigations are ongoing as mentioned at the press conference. Some media outlets speculate that the former student might have been driven by a desire for revenge against the bullying he experienced during his scholarly days.
A Clear and Present Danger?
The situation has now stabilized, with no further danger anticipated, according to the authorities. Families of the injured students and unharmed students are being accommodated in nearby facilities and are being supported by crisis intervention teams. Law enforcement urges that no images or videos of the incident be uploaded to social media. Instead, such material should be uploaded to a website belonging to the Ministry of the Interior for further analysis.
The Waves of Sympathy
Chancellor Christian Stocker of the ÖVP speaks of an "unparalleled national tragedy," as he mourns the victims and their families. He finds the act of violence incomprehensible, stating that it impacts us all. He emphasizes the importance of unity and understanding during these challenging times, adding that schools must remain sanctuaries of peace. Stocker announced a nationwide minute of silence for Thursday morning and decreed that all public buildings would fly flags at half-mast. A three-day state of mourning has also been decreed.
Related: Austria School Shooting
- Austria
- Background
- The perpetrator was a 21-year-old Austrian citizen who was described as an extremely introverted person who was passionate about first-person shooter games.
- The individual experienced bullying at school and failed to pass his final exams.
- Motive
- The exact reason for the attack remains unclear, but it seems possible that the perpetrator harbored a deep-seated grudge, possibly related to the bullying he endured during his school years.
- Incident Details
- The attack occurred on June 11, 2023, at around 10 a.m. when the perpetrator opened fire in two classrooms using a handgun and a shotgun.
- The perpetrator took his own life in a school restroom after the attack.
- A non-functional pipe bomb was discovered during a search of his home.
- Impact
- The incident resulted in eleven fatalities, including the gunman, and left several others injured, some critically.
- The attack has raised questions regarding Austria's weapons laws, as the perpetrator legally obtained the firearms involved.
- The community and employment policy implications of the Graz Catastrophe may require a review, considering the perpetrator's troubled school experience and potential links to bullying.
- Amidst the general-news headlines of the Graz Catastrophe, the ongoing investigation sheds light on the complex dynamics of politics, crime-and-justice, and school safety.
