Austria is reeling after a mass shooting at a high school in Graz left ten people dead and at least 28 others injured, including several in critical condition.
The shooter, now confirmed as a 22-year-old former student of the school, was found dead at the scene.
Authorities said the gunfire broke out shortly after 10:00 a.m. local time at the BORG Dreierschützengasse high school, prompting an urgent deployment of federal special units.
Initial reports suggested gunshots were heard coming from two classrooms, and the suspect was later discovered deceased in a bathroom.
Among the injured, police say four individuals are in “extremely critical condition,” including some who sustained gunshot wounds to the head.
Emergency services swiftly responded, evacuating the school and treating victims on-site before transporting many to nearby hospitals.
Former Student Identified as Shooter
Local media, including Kronen Zeitung, have identified the gunman as a former student of the school. While details about his motive remain unclear, sources close to the investigation suggest the individual may have planned the attack, targeting specific classrooms.
Police have not ruled out the possibility of further casualties, as the total death toll may rise due to the severity of several injuries.
Officials to Address Nation
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, alongside Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr, is expected to speak at a press conference at 3:00 p.m. local time (2:00 p.m. BST). Officials are likely to offer further information on the investigation and steps being taken to support affected families and the broader community.
Speaking earlier on the social media platform X, Chancellor Stocker described the incident as a “national tragedy.”
“The rampage at a school in Graz is a national tragedy that has deeply shaken our entire country. There are no words for the pain and grief that we all – all of Austria – are feeling right now.”
The government has signalled it will also be reviewing school security protocols in the wake of the incident.
Tight-Knit Community in Shock
The high school, located in the Dreierschützengasse area of Graz, is part of a quiet and close-knit community. Students, parents, and teachers gathered in tears outside the school perimeter as news spread, with many embracing each other in disbelief.
Counsellors and crisis response teams have been dispatched to assist those impacted, and support hotlines have been set up for students and families.
Social media has been flooded with condolences and tributes from Austrians and people across Europe, with hashtags like #PrayForGraz and #BORGschool trending.
Gun Violence in Austria: A Rare Tragedy
Mass shootings are rare in Austria, a country with strict firearms regulations and a generally low rate of gun crime.
The last major school-related attack in the country occurred over a decade ago, and today’s events have reignited conversations around school safety, mental health support, and violence prevention.
As the nation awaits further updates from authorities, Austrians are being urged to remain calm and allow space for the investigation to proceed without speculation.
The Austrian government is expected to hold a national moment of silence in honour of the victims later this week.
