In Graz, Austria's second-largest city, a horrific school shooting occurred on a routine Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of eleven individuals, including the assailant. The tragedy unfolded around 10:00 AM at a secondary school on Dreierschützengasse, during what were meant to be final exam classes for some students. Reka, a local resident, expressed her shock, saying, “We never could have imagined that this could have happened here.” The gunman, a former student with a history of perceived bullying, took his own life after the attack. In just 17 minutes, police managed to control the situation, but not before six female and three male victims had lost their lives, with one additional victim succumbing to injuries later on. Austria's President, Alexander Van der Bellen, called this a day of horror that struck the nation's heart, while Chancellor Christian Stocker described the event as a national tragedy that has shaken the entire country. As the shockwaves of grief ripple through Graz, the government has declared three days of mourning with flags at half-mast nationwide. Despite stringent gun laws in Austria, the incident raises urgent questions about mental health and public safety.
Austria's history with gun violence is relatively rare, especially in schools, making this occurrence even more shocking to the community. Only a few lesser incidents with minimal casualties have been recorded over the years. The gunman's legal ownership of firearms adds to the complexity of this tragedy, especially after one was reportedly purchased just before the attack.
In a city known for its safety and charm, residents are left grappling with an unimaginable loss, as echoes of mourning resonate throughout the streets of Graz in the coming days.
