Authorities in Graz have uncovered disturbing plans tied to a gunman identified as a 21-year-old former student, who became responsible for a tragic school shooting that resulted in ten deaths and left eleven others wounded. A non-functional pipe bomb was also found at his residence, along with a "farewell" letter and video, prompting police to investigate the suspect's potential motives and background.
The attack occurred at Dreierschützengasse secondary school, marking the deadliest in Austria's recent history. It claimed multiple lives; six females and three males were killed, with a seventh female succumbing to injuries later at the hospital. Among the deceased were a teacher and nine students aged between 14 and 17, which included one Polish citizen.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, Austria declared three days of mourning, accompanied by a nationwide minute of silence on Wednesday. The Austrian flag has been lowered at public buildings to honor the victims.
Witnesses shared their grief; a local woman, Tores, recounted her heartbreak upon learning about the loss of a 17-year-old boy whom she had known for years.
Details released by police indicate that the gunman lived with his single mother in the Graz-Umgebung District, while his father, of Armenian descent, had been absent following his parents' separation. Furthermore, it has been reported that the shooter legally owned the pistol and shotgun used in the attack and possessed a firearms license. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed that he had not graduated from the school and was not previously known to police.
In response to the shooting, security measures around schools in the area have been heightened to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The attack occurred at Dreierschützengasse secondary school, marking the deadliest in Austria's recent history. It claimed multiple lives; six females and three males were killed, with a seventh female succumbing to injuries later at the hospital. Among the deceased were a teacher and nine students aged between 14 and 17, which included one Polish citizen.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, Austria declared three days of mourning, accompanied by a nationwide minute of silence on Wednesday. The Austrian flag has been lowered at public buildings to honor the victims.
Witnesses shared their grief; a local woman, Tores, recounted her heartbreak upon learning about the loss of a 17-year-old boy whom she had known for years.
Details released by police indicate that the gunman lived with his single mother in the Graz-Umgebung District, while his father, of Armenian descent, had been absent following his parents' separation. Furthermore, it has been reported that the shooter legally owned the pistol and shotgun used in the attack and possessed a firearms license. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed that he had not graduated from the school and was not previously known to police.
In response to the shooting, security measures around schools in the area have been heightened to ensure the safety of students and staff.