Police and emergency responders at the scene of the shooting at BORG Dreierschutzengasse secondary school in Graz on the 10 of June 2025. Source image: ABC News
(The Post News)- Austria is reeling after a 21-year-old former student opened fire at the BORG Dreierschutzengasse secondary school in Graz on Tuesday morning, leaving 10 people dead, including the gunman, and at least 12 others injured.
Initial reports came in shortly after 10:00 a.m., when gunshots were heard inside the school. Chaos ensued as the shooter, armed with his own legally registered pistol and a shotgun, entered two classrooms and opened fire on students and a teacher. Around 300 police officers and special forces responded to the scene. By 11:30 a.m., authorities confirmed that the school had been safely secured and fully evacuated.
The gunman, who was later found dead in a school bathroom from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, has been identified as a 21-year-old man from the Graz area. He was a former student of the school but did not graduate.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the nine victims as six females and three males. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner emphasised in a press briefing that the motive for the attack remains under investigation. While media reports have suggested that bullying may have played a role, Karner confirmed that at this point, that is all speculation.
Austria’s Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen, responded to the tragedy with a solemn statement: “Austria is in mourning.” Describing the attack as “a horror that cannot be put into words,” and further adding that even though they are going through a pain no one can ease “We stand together”.
In a subsequent press conference, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker called the mass shooting “a national tragedy” and announced a three-day period of national mourning starting from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. The country will also observe a nationwide minute of silence. “Today is a dark day in the history of our country,” Stocker said.
Classes at BORG Dreierschutzengasse have been suspended for the remainder of the week as the community copes with the aftermath of the tragedy.
About the Author
