The investigation into the recent school shooting in Graz, Austria, has taken a grim turn as police reported the discovery of bomb attack plans at the home of the alleged gunman, a 21-year-old former student of the Dreierschützengasse secondary school. Alongside these plans, investigators found a non-functional pipe bomb, a “farewell” letter, and a video during the search carried out at his residence. This tragic incident, labeled the deadliest school shooting in Austria's modern history, resulted in the killing of ten individuals, including a teacher and nine students aged between 14 and 17.
The suspect took his own life shortly after the attack in a school bathroom, and authorities are still working to discern his motives. The victims were predominantly Austrian citizens, with one Polish national among them. Besides those who died, another eleven individuals aged between 15 and 26 suffered injuries; fortunately, their conditions are currently not critical.
Police revealed that the gunman legally possessed the firearms used in the attack—a handgun and a shotgun—and noted that the weapons will undergo forensic examination. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed during a press conference that the shooter, who had not graduated from the school, had no prior record with law enforcement.
As the investigation progresses, police continue to analyze evidence and data storage devices while also interviewing hundreds of witnesses. A thorough reconstruction of the incident will be conducted to clarify the sequence of events. Emergency responders arrived at the scene just six minutes following the first call for help, a rapid deployment that authorities believe may have saved several lives.
In response to the shooting, security measures around schools in Graz have been heightened. Crisis intervention centers have been established to support grieving relatives of victims and the affected student population. Witnesses described harrowing experiences during the shooting, with reports of gunfire and students attempting to escape.
In the wake of the tragedy, a three-day mourning period has been announced for Austria, and a nationwide minute of silence was observed in remembrance of the victims. The Austrian flag has been lowered to half-mast on government buildings as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event.
This incident stands as a stark reminder of gun violence in Austria, with ongoing societal reflections on safety and security measures in schools.
The suspect took his own life shortly after the attack in a school bathroom, and authorities are still working to discern his motives. The victims were predominantly Austrian citizens, with one Polish national among them. Besides those who died, another eleven individuals aged between 15 and 26 suffered injuries; fortunately, their conditions are currently not critical.
Police revealed that the gunman legally possessed the firearms used in the attack—a handgun and a shotgun—and noted that the weapons will undergo forensic examination. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed during a press conference that the shooter, who had not graduated from the school, had no prior record with law enforcement.
As the investigation progresses, police continue to analyze evidence and data storage devices while also interviewing hundreds of witnesses. A thorough reconstruction of the incident will be conducted to clarify the sequence of events. Emergency responders arrived at the scene just six minutes following the first call for help, a rapid deployment that authorities believe may have saved several lives.
In response to the shooting, security measures around schools in Graz have been heightened. Crisis intervention centers have been established to support grieving relatives of victims and the affected student population. Witnesses described harrowing experiences during the shooting, with reports of gunfire and students attempting to escape.
In the wake of the tragedy, a three-day mourning period has been announced for Austria, and a nationwide minute of silence was observed in remembrance of the victims. The Austrian flag has been lowered to half-mast on government buildings as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event.
This incident stands as a stark reminder of gun violence in Austria, with ongoing societal reflections on safety and security measures in schools.
