Austria Grieves After Devastating School Shooting in Graz Leaves Nine Dead

Graz, Austria – June 10, 2025

Austria is reeling from a national tragedy following a mass shooting that took place Tuesday morning at a high school in the heart of Graz, claiming the lives of nine individuals — including seven students. The devastating incident has plunged the country into mourning and raised urgent questions about school safety, mental health, and gun control.

A Community Shattered

The tragedy unfolded at BORG Dreischützengasse, a well-known high school situated in central Graz. Described as a vibrant educational institution with a focus on academics and the arts, BORG Dreischützengasse had never before experienced violence of this magnitude.

At approximately 10:00 a.m. local time, emergency services received multiple distress calls reporting gunfire within the school building. Police forces responded with speed and precision, arriving on scene within minutes. However, the damage had already been done.

According to verified reports by Austria Presse Agentur (APA) and statements from Graz Mayor Elke Kahr, the victims include:

Seven students, all believed to be between the ages of 15 and 18

One adult staff member, possibly a teacher or administrator

The suspected shooter, believed to be a former student who died by suicide at the scene

An Unimaginable Scene

Police officials described the situation as "deeply disturbing" and confirmed that the incident was confined to a single area of the school building. Investigators have not released the names of the victims out of respect for the families, but the news has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Graz and far beyond.

The official police account on X (formerly Twitter) posted a confirmation shortly after the incident:

“Several people have died. The situation is under control. Crisis intervention teams are on-site to support students and parents.”

Students who survived the ordeal were seen leaving the school under police escort, many visibly shaken and clinging to each other for comfort. Emergency services, including paramedics and mental health professionals, established a crisis response center just outside the school grounds.

Investigating the Motive

Authorities have yet to publicly identify the shooter or provide a motive, but early reports suggest the individual may have had a history of mental health challenges. Investigators are examining whether warning signs were missed and if the attacker had access to firearms legally.

“We are doing everything in our power to understand what led to this senseless act of violence,” said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner in a press conference later that day. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the victims. We will not rest until we uncover the full truth.”

A Nation in Mourning

Across Austria, flags have been lowered to half-staff. Churches and community centers in Graz opened their doors for vigils and memorials within hours of the news breaking. Schools nationwide observed a moment of silence in honor of the lives lost.

President Alexander Van der Bellen issued a heartfelt statement to the nation:

“Today, we mourn as one nation. The tragedy in Graz is not only a blow to one school or one city — it is a wound carried by all Austrians. We grieve for the young lives stolen far too soon and for the families who now face an unimaginable pain.”

 

A Call for Change

The shooting has reignited debates in Austria over gun legislation and the mental health crisis among youth. While Austria has some of the strictest firearm regulations in Europe, critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure psychological screenings and access to support services.

Schools across the country are expected to review their security protocols, and lawmakers have already signaled their intent to push for new safety measures in educational institutions.

Looking Ahead

In the wake of this unspeakable tragedy, Graz and the entire Austrian nation are left searching for answers — and healing. As candles burn in windows and flowers pile up outside the school gates, the country stands united in grief, reflection, and a solemn promise to never forget the lives lost on this dark day.