Tragedy Strikes Graz: Details Emerge from Austria's Deadliest School Shooting

As Austria grapples with its deadliest school shooting in history, details about the tragic event at Dreierschützengasse school are emerging. A former student took the lives of nine individuals before ending his own, leaving the nation in shock and mourning.

Students at the Dreierschützengasse secondary school in Graz were stunned when a 21-year-old gunman opened fire on their campus, killing nine people and injuring twelve others early Tuesday morning. The attack, which marks the most devastating school shooting in Austria's recent history, has led the country to declare three days of mourning.

The violence erupted around 10:00 AM local time, initially leaving students and staff confused about the source of the shots. A 17-year-old student recounted the moment, expressing disbelief that gunfire was indeed occurring. As panic ensued, teachers hurriedly secured their classrooms—one student mistook the gunfire for firecrackers until the chaos around her became clear. Eyewitnesses reported hearing 30 to 40 shots, and it was later revealed that the shooter took his own life in a school bathroom shortly after the attack.

Police swiftly responded, containing the situation within 17 minutes with over 300 officers, including a specialist tactical unit. Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of confusion and desperation as students evacuated the school building. The tragic death toll includes six girls and three boys, with one student later succumbing to injuries in the hospital. Auastria's media outlets stated that seven of the deceased were pupils of the school.

The assailant, who has not been publicly named, was described as a former student of the school. He reportedly left a farewell letter and a non-functioning pipe bomb at his home. Authorities confirmed that the shooter legally possessed the firearms used in the attack and was authorized to own them.

Austria's gun regulations allow for the ownership of certain firearms, making it one of Europe’s more heavily armed nations with an estimated 30 guns per 100 people. Despite this, school shootings remain rare in the country. Previous incidents have resulted in significantly fewer casualties, creating a sense of security that has now been shattered.

The incident has deeply impacted the community, with many residents expressing their shock and grief. Fanny Gasser, a journalist for Kronen Zeitung, commented on the school’s apparent lack of preparedness for such violence, noting the nation's belief in its safety. As the community attempts to heal, tributes and vigils are being held to honor the victims and their families.