Asger Risom
As investigators examine the country’s deadliest mass shooting, Austrians mourn the ten victims killed in an attack that has shaken the nation.
Austria paused Thursday for a national minute of silence in memory of the victims of a deadly school shooting in Graz. The 21-year-old attacker killed ten people, wounded twelve others—including two Romanians—and then took his own life in a school restroom. Police later found a farewell note at his home, though it offered no motive.
According to Digi24, authorities also discovered an improvised explosive device that turned out to be non-functional. The suspect, who held a firearms license, had previously failed to complete his schooling and may have felt persecuted, local media report.
Rapid Response, But Not Fast Enough
Just 17 minutes passed between the first emergency calls and the securing of the scene, according to Austria’s public safety director. Yet that was enough time for the shooter to carry out a deadly rampage.
The youngest victim was 14. Most others were teenagers aged 15 to 17. One teacher also lost her life, though her age has not been disclosed at the request of police.
A Country in Mourning
Austria has declared three days of national mourning. Vigils were held Tuesday night in Graz’s main square, and flowers and candles have been left outside the school. Dozens lined up to donate blood for the wounded.
The attack triggered rare unity across Austria’s usually divided political parties. President Alexander Van der Bellen met with regional leaders on Wednesday and signed the national condolence book in honor of the victims.
Reconstructing the Tragedy
Police say a full reenactment of the attack is underway at the school. Officials hope it will yield more clarity on the shooter’s actions and state of mind. The National Security Council was expected to meet Thursday, bringing together high-ranking defense and justice officials to review the case.
Austria, which has one of the most heavily armed civilian populations in Europe, is now facing renewed calls to tighten gun laws. The mayor of Graz is among those pushing for reform.
As the investigation continues, public focus remains on the victims and their families—and on how to prevent such horror from happening again.