Austrian authorities are investigating a tragic shooting at a high school in Graz on Tuesday, where a 21-year-old gunman killed ten people before taking his own life. This event marks one of the deadliest violent incidents in Austria’s recent history. The assailant, armed with a shotgun and a pistol, acted alone, prompting police to search his home and online activities for motives. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene, with one teacher recounting his escape moments before the shooter attempted to enter his classroom.
While some media reports suggest the gunman may have felt bullied, police have not confirmed these claims. Furthermore, the suspect had not completed his studies at the school. Authorities reported finding a non-functional pipe bomb in his home and stated that a farewell note left by the shooter did not clarify his motivations. Franz Ruf, the director general of public security, emphasized the investigation’s urgency while cautioning against speculation.
The attack unfolded swiftly, with about 17 minutes between the first emergency calls regarding gunfire and the scene being declared secure. Victims were discovered both inside and outside the school, and approximately a dozen individuals suffered injuries, some critically. In the wake of the shootings, Austria is observing three days of national mourning. The incident has united political factions, typically divided, in a rare display of solidarity.
In a poignant response, hundreds gathered in Graz’s main square to honor the victims, while others laid flowers and lit candles outside the school. Many locals queued to donate blood for the survivors, showcasing the community’s resilience and need for collective mourning amid the tragedy.
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