Austria reels as deadliest school shooting leaves 10 dead

Austria is in mourning following a devastating mass shooting at a secondary school in Graz, where ten people—mostly teenagers—lost their lives in the country’s deadliest gun attack in recent memory.

The gunman, a 21-year-old former student of Dreierschützengasse Secondary School, opened fire within the school premises on Tuesday morning.

He later took his own life in a bathroom inside the building, police confirmed.

According to the BBC, Initial reports indicated that nine people had been killed, six female and three male, but authorities later confirmed that a severely injured female victim had succumbed to her wounds in hospital, bringing the total death toll to ten. At least 12 others were injured, some critically.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner identified the assailant in the Austria school shooting as a former student who had failed to graduate from Dreierschützengasse.

While his name has not yet been released, police confirmed he legally owned the two weapons used in the attack—a pistol and a shotgun—and held a valid firearms licence.

The motive remains unclear, with investigators from Austria’s criminal office leading the inquiry. Authorities also confirmed the gunman had no prior police record and acted alone.

“This case is still under intense investigation,” Karner stated, urging the public not to spread speculation.

A wave of horror and disbelief swept through Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, where stunned residents gathered outside hospitals and blood donation centres.

Many were in tears, clutching one another for comfort as news of the victims trickled in.

Seven of those killed were reportedly students, a fact that has deepened the national grief.

“This is a dark day in the history of our country,” declared Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.

“A school is not just a place of learning; it’s a sanctuary for trust, growth, and hope. That sanctuary was violated today.”

President Alexander Van der Bellen ordered flags at the Hofburg Palace to fly at half-mast, as Austria begins three days of national mourning. A minute of silence is scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00am local time in honour of the victims.

Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr announced that the affected school would remain closed indefinitely.

Gunshots were first reported shortly after 10:00am local time. Police quickly launched an operation, deploying the elite Cobra tactical unit. Students and teachers were evacuated, and authorities confirmed the school was fully secured later in the day.

Scenes of terror and heartbreak were described by local residents and journalists.

“We’re not used to this in Austria,” said Fanny Gasser, a journalist with the Kronen Zeitung. “Everyone knows someone at the school. Graz is a close-knit city.”

In an extraordinary display of solidarity, residents queued for hours to donate blood.

“I felt helpless watching the news. Donating blood was the only thing I could do,” said Johanna, a 30-year-old local resident.

Stephanie Koenig, 25, echoed the sentiment: “Today is a hard day for Graz. I’m here to help in any way I can.”