Austria is grappling with shock and grief following a devastating school shooting in Graz, where a 21-year-old former student opened fire on his former classmates, killing 10 people and injuring 12 others. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday at the Bundes-Oberstufenrealgymnasium Dreierschützengasse secondary school, has left the nation reeling.
According to police, the suspect used two legally owned firearms, a Glock semi-automatic pistol and a shotgun, to carry out the attack. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, but reports suggest that the suspect may have been bullied in the past. A goodbye letter was found at the suspect’s home, but it did not provide any clues about his motive. A non-functional homemade bomb was also discovered during a search of the suspect’s home.
In response to the tragedy, Chancellor Christian Stocker announced three days of national mourning, describing the shooting as “a national tragedy.” A minute’s silence was observed across the country at 10:00 am on Wednesday to honor the victims.
Locals and students have been left shaken by the attack, with many expressing their grief and shock outside the school. “It is truly shocking… We will always think back on this,” said Mariam Fayz, a 22-year-old student. Ennio, a student at the school, told AFP that “there are stories from classmates who were often harassed, and in a situation like this, it’s indescribably difficult.”
The suspect, identified as an Austrian citizen from the Graz region, was arrested by police after the attack. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The shooting has sparked a renewed debate about gun control laws in Austria, with some questioning the ease with which Austrians can acquire firearms. The incident has also sent shockwaves around the world, with many countries expressing their condolences and support for the victims and their families.
The school shooting in Graz is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence. As Austria mourns the loss of 10 innocent lives, the nation is coming together to support the victims’ families and work towards preventing such tragedies in the future.
