A mass shooting at BORG Dreierschutzengasse secondary school in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, has left nine victims dead and at least 10 others injured in what officials are calling one of the deadliest school attacks in the country’s history.
Police responded to reports of gunfire at the school on Tuesday morning, swiftly securing the premises and launching emergency protocols. Authorities later confirmed that the suspected gunman died by suicide, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10.
Local officials reported that at least seven of the victims were students. One adult was also killed, though their identity has not yet been released. The shooting is believed to have started shortly after 10 a.m. and unfolded across two classrooms, with the school’s student population, many aged 14 and above, promptly evacuated. Psychological support is now being provided to survivors and their families.
The attacker, who is believed to have acted alone, was identified as a former student of the school. The motive remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
Graz Mayor Elke Kahr described the incident as a “terrible tragedy,” while Styria state governor Mario Kunasek said he was “deeply saddened” by the “insane act” that had brought immense suffering.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker is reportedly en route to Graz, with Interior Minister Gerhard Karner also expected to visit the scene. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s office issued a statement condemning the attack as “absolutely horrible and tragic,” extending condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Graz.
With a population of around 300,000, the southeastern city has been left in shock, as expressions of grief and solidarity pour in from across the country and beyond.
