Fatal School Shooting in Graz, Austria Claims Multiple Lives

A devastating school shooting occurred in Graz, Austria, on June 10th, resulting in at least 10 fatalities, including the gunman, and injuring several others. The attack took place at the BORG Dreierschützengasse, a federal upper secondary school located in the northwest of Austria's second-largest city, near the central train station.
The perpetrator was identified as a 21-year-old former student of the school who, according to Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, did not complete his studies there. Authorities believe he died by suicide in a school toilet. He reportedly owned two guns which were used in the attack. Styrian State Police Director Gerald Ortner stated that police had no prior information about the suspect.
The incident prompted a massive police operation. Reports of shots being heard at the school surfaced around 10:00 am local time. Special forces, including the Cobra tactical unit, along with numerous police officers and a helicopter, were swiftly deployed to the scene. By 11:30 am, police confirmed the school had been evacuated and the situation was secured, with no further danger believed to exist. Parents were advised to go to the ASKO Stadium, home of the local football club ESK Graz, to meet their children.
Among the nine victims, excluding the gunman, were six females and three males, including students and at least one teacher who accompanied them. Twelve other individuals were reported injured. Footage shared on social media captured sounds of gunfire and screaming, and an injured person being transported to a helicopter by paramedics.
The emotional toll was immense. One mother recounted the harrowing experience of her son calling her during the attack, believing he was going to die, and her relief upon learning hours later that he was alive. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen described the event as a \"horror that cannot be put into words,\" stating it \"strikes at the heart of our country.\" He mourned the young victims and the teacher, emphasizing the profound grief of their families.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared the shooting a \"national tragedy\" and a \"dark day in the history of our country.\" He announced three days of national mourning, with Austrian flags to be flown at half-mast and a minute of silence to be observed. Graz Mayor Elke Kahr also called the incident a \"terrible tragedy.\" EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas expressed her profound sorrow, emphasizing that \"Every child should feel safe at school.\"
Emergency response was extensive. The Austrian Red Cross activated its 'MANV system', a protocol for mass casualty incidents. A total of 158 paramedics and 31 crisis intervention staff were on site, supported by 65 emergency vehicles from eight districts in Styria. All hospitals in the Styria state were alerted to report their capacity, and doctors from state and accident hospitals worked on-site. Two care centers were established near the school to support those affected, and injured students were also cared for at the nearby Helmut List Hall events venue.