Austrian authorities are investigating a tragic shooting at a high school in Graz that resulted in the death of 10 people and left several others injured. The 21-year-old gunman, who was armed with a shotgun and a pistol, acted alone and later took his own life in a bathroom. This incident represents one of the worst acts of violence in Austria’s recent history.
On Tuesday, witnesses described chaotic scenes as the shooter attempted to enter classrooms; some faculty members narrowly escaped. Although some reports indicated that the shooter may have felt bullied during his time at the school, police have not confirmed this claim. The shooter had not completed his studies there and left behind a farewell note that did not clarify his motives. A functional pipe bomb was found at his home, but its relevance to the attack remains unclear.
Franz Ruf, Austria’s director general of public security, stated that investigations into the motive are ongoing, emphasizing the need to avoid speculation. The police response was swift, with approximately 17 minutes passing between the first emergency calls and the scene being declared safe.
In the wake of the shooting, Austria declared three days of national mourning, prompting an unusual display of unity among political factions. Community members gathered in Graz’s main square to pay tribute to the victims, laying flowers and lighting candles outside the school, while many lined up to donate blood for the injured. The shooting has left parents and local residents grappling for understanding as they mourn the loss of life and the violation of their community’s safety.
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