A National Tragedy in Graz
Graz school shooting leaves 10 dead, 12 injured after a former student opened fire, then took his own life on Tuesday. Authorities say the shooter, a 21-year-old Austrian male, acted alone.
The attack, which took place at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school, marks one of Austria’s deadliest post-WWII incidents.
Who Was the Shooter?
Police have confirmed the shooter had no criminal record and owned two firearms legally—a long gun and a handgun. He was found dead in the school’s restroom. The man had not completed his education at the school, but officials have not revealed when he left or why.
Victims and Injuries
According to Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, the victims included seven students and three adults, including a woman who later died of her injuries. At least 12 people were hospitalized. Austria has declared three days of national mourning, with flags at half-staff and a minute of silence scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Authorities’ Quick Reaction
Within 17 minutes of the initial emergency call, almost 300 police officers and 65 ambulances arrived. Red Cross emergency personnel, psychologists, and special troops were sent in. While hospitals cared for the injured, blood donations were sought.
A Dark Day for Austria
“This is a dark day in the history of our country,” said Chancellor Stocker during a press conference. Austria’s Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, confirmed the shooter was a former student and emphasized the urgent need to review gun regulations.
Austria’s Gun Regulations Are Being Examined
For a European nation, Austria has rather lax firearms regulations. At the age of 18, hunting rifles can be purchased without a permission, but semi-automatic weapons need to be registered and licensed. Public discussion about present policy may result from this tragedy.
Witness Accounts and Community Grief
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes. Nearby shop owner Metin Özden recalled, “I’ve never seen so many emergency services in my life.” Hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil in Graz’s main square, mourning the tragic loss.
Source: AP News