Austria in Shock After Deadly High School Shooting in Graz

Austria is reeling after a tragic shooting at a high school in the city of Graz left nine people dead. The violent rampage occurred at the Bundesoberstufenrealgymnasium Dreierschützengasse and has been described as one of the country’s worst mass shootings in recent memory.

The attack unfolded around 10 a.m. local time when police received multiple emergency calls about suspected gunfire at the school. Responding swiftly, law enforcement deployed ground units and a helicopter to the scene.

Upon arrival, police secured the area and evacuated the school. Authorities confirmed there was no longer any danger to the public. The suspect, who was later confirmed dead, acted alone according to early findings.

The victims included teenagers aged between 14 and 18 years old, according to the Austrian Interior Ministry. Several other individuals sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalized under critical care.

The initial death toll was reported as eight but was later updated to nine by Austrian police. Emergency medical teams worked quickly to assist the injured and stabilize the scene.

Chancellor Christian Stocker responded with a heartfelt message of grief and solidarity. He described the shooting as a national tragedy that had deeply shaken the people of Austria.

“The rampage at a school in Graz is a national tragedy that has deeply shaken our entire country,” Stocker posted on X. “There are no words for the pain and grief this brings.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the sorrow, stating that it is heartbreaking when schools become scenes of such senseless violence and loss of life.

While Austria has a high rate of gun ownership compared to other EU countries, gun violence is extremely rare. The country recorded just 0.1 firearm-related homicides per 100,000 people in 2021.

In contrast, the United States has a much higher rate at 4.5 per 100,000 people. The data comes from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, highlighting how unusual this event is for Austria.

The Small Arms Survey indicates that Austria has about 30 civilian-owned firearms for every 100 residents. Yet, despite the prevalence of guns, the country rarely sees large-scale shootings.

Isolated incidents have occurred in recent years, such as the fatal shooting of a mayor and another individual in northern Austria last October, an event that stunned the local community.

Earlier this year, in February, a 23-year-old man randomly stabbed five people in southern Austria. That attack also raised questions about public safety and mental health awareness.

This latest incident in Graz has reignited debates on school security, access to firearms, and the mental health resources available to young people across the nation.

As investigations continue and the community grieves, Austria finds itself in deep reflection over how such a tragic loss of young lives could happen within its borders.