Austria in Mourning After Deadliest Mass Shooting in Graz
June 10, 2025
Austria has been plunged into mourning after a 21-year-old former student opened fire at his old high school in Graz, killing 10 people in the country’s deadliest mass shooting since World War II. The shooter, armed with a pistol and a recently acquired shotgun, later took his own life.
The attack, which began just after 10am local time on Tuesday at the BORG Dreierschützengasse school, left eight students and a teacher dead at the scene. An additional victim succumbed to injuries later in hospital. Eleven others remain hospitalized, some in critical condition.
Speaking at a press conference, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker described the shooting as “a dark day in the history of our country” and announced three days of national mourning. A minute of silence was observed at 10am Wednesday as the nation began grieving its loss.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed that the shooter, an Austrian national with no criminal record, acted alone. He had attended the school but dropped out before graduating. His body was discovered in one of the school’s restrooms following a massive security response that included special forces and helicopters.
Authorities said the gunman legally owned both weapons used in the attack. Although his motive remains unclear, officials emphasized that any speculation would be premature, citing the ongoing investigation.
Local media outlets Kurier and Salzburger Nachrichten reported that one of the classrooms targeted had once belonged to the shooter. Police have not released his name out of respect for the victims’ families and to protect the integrity of the investigation.
The school, which has around 400 students, was evacuated quickly. Crisis intervention teams were dispatched to a nearby sports facility to provide support for survivors, staff, and families. The area around the school was sealed off by armed officers, and local transportation was diverted.
Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen expressed deep sorrow, saying, “These were young people who had their entire lives ahead of them, and a teacher who guided them. The pain felt by parents, siblings, and friends is unimaginable.”
The mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, described the tragedy as “unspeakable.” Vienna's mayor, Michael Ludwig, urged unity in the face of violence, stating, “Hate must never triumph. Our answer must be solidarity and compassion.”
Reactions poured in from across Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the act, saying, “Schools should be symbols of hope and the future—not of violence.” Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered condolences, while Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said his thoughts were with the grieving families.
Despite being one of the most heavily armed civilian populations in Europe—with approximately 30 guns per 100 residents—Austria rarely sees such mass shootings. The last major incident occurred in 2020 when a jihadist gunman killed four people in Vienna.
Tuesday’s tragedy has ignited national conversations on gun laws and school security. As Austria reels from the horror, leaders and citizens alike are calling for resilience, healing, and reflection on how such violence could be prevented in the future.
Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all affected by this unimaginable act.