Tragic School Shooting in Graz, Austria Claims Ten Lives
Graz, Austria — A former high school student opened fire at BORG Dreierschützengasse on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals, marking one of the deadliest school shootings in European history. The assailant, identified as a 21-year-old man who had previously attended the school, reportedly carried a legally purchased pistol and a long gun. Following his rampage, he was found dead in a school bathroom, presumed to have taken his own life.
The victims included six females and three males on campus, while a woman succumbed to her injuries later at a hospital. The Austrian authorities are withholding further details about the victims until investigations conclude.
In response to this tragic event, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared three days of national mourning, labeling the incident a “national tragedy” that has profoundly unsettled the country. The police mobilized over 300 officers, including the specialized COBRA unit and helicopter support, to manage the situation.
This incident is particularly shocking for Austria, which has far lower rates of gun violence compared to other nations, notably the United States. While Austrian civilians possess approximately 2.6 million firearms, an estimated 837,000 are registered. Conversely, the U.S. has around 120.5 guns for every 100 residents. Researchers cite a correlation between gun availability and the frequency of mass shootings, suggesting that stricter gun control in Europe contributes to lower instances of such violence.
Experts warn that while mass shootings are uncommon in Europe, the occurrence of this tragedy raises serious concerns about youth access to firearms. The attention now turns to preventative measures to mitigate future risks as the nation mourns its profound losses.
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