A deadly school shooting at BORG Dreierschützengasse in Graz has left at least 10 people dead and 28 others injured, sending shockwaves through Austria and prompting a national outpouring of grief and disbelief.
According to local media and statements from police, the gunman, believed to be the sole perpetrator, is among the dead. The shooting occurred Tuesday morning at the secondary school located in the northwest part of the city.
Police swiftly responded to reports of gunfire, evacuating the school and deploying emergency services, tactical units, and a helicopter to the scene. The area surrounding the school was cordoned off, and authorities urged the public to stay clear and obey emergency personnel.
While details remain limited, the wounded, comprising both students and teachers, were initially treated at the nearby Helmut List Hall before being transported to area hospitals. The severity of the injuries has not been officially confirmed.
One adult is among the deceased, according to Graz Mayor Elke Kahr. The motive for the shooting has not yet been disclosed.
Chancellor Christian Stocker called the attack a “national tragedy” in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing condolences to the bereaved families: “My thoughts are with the families and parents who lost their child.”
President Alexander Van der Bellen also released a statement, mourning the loss of young lives: “These were adolescents, who had their whole life ahead of them. This horror cannot be put into words.”
A crisis response center was quickly established for parents at the ASKÖ football stadium in Graz, and a tip platform has been set up by police for those with relevant information.
The Austrian Interior Ministry has not yet issued a formal comment, but a press conference with police officials is expected later today. Chancellor Stocker and other members of the government are reportedly en route to Graz.
This incident marks one of the deadliest school shootings in Austria’s recent history, and has deeply shaken a nation unaccustomed to such violence. With Graz being the country’s second-largest city, home to around 300,000 people, the tragedy has hit especially hard in a tight-knit community.
