
School Shooting Claims 9 Lives, Including 7 Students
|Austria is facing a profound tragedy following a mass shooting at a school in Graz that claimed the lives of nine individuals, among them seven students, on the morning of Tuesday, June 10.
The violence took place at BORG Dreischützengasse, a prominent secondary school located in the heart of Graz. Authorities arrived promptly after receiving emergency calls around 10:00 a.m. local time, as reported by the national broadcaster ORF.
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
According to official reports from the Austria Presse Agentur (APA) and statements made by Graz Mayor Elke Kahr, the victims include:
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7 students
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1 adult
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The suspected shooter, who is believed to have taken his own life
Police confirmed the location of the incident via their official X (formerly Twitter) account and issued an immediate lockdown.
“Several people have died,” the police statement read.
“Crisis intervention teams are on-site to support students and parents.”
CRISIS RESPONSE & FAMILY SUPPORT
In an effort to support devastated families, police designated ASKÖ Stadium in Graz as an official meeting point for parents. Emergency medical teams, psychologists, and grief counselors were deployed to assist those affected.
Authorities Confirm No Ongoing Threat After School Tragedy
Officials have reassured the public that the situation at the school is under control, with no current danger to the wider community.
Large-Scale Police Response: Helicopters and Tactical Units Mobilized
In response to the emergency, the Interior Ministry deployed several helicopters and special response teams to the site in Graz. According to Die Presse, the suspected shooter may be a former student of the institution, though this detail has not yet been officially verified.
During a press briefing, as reported by the BBC, local law enforcement confirmed multiple fatalities but withheld specific figures until families could be informed.
Police Release Initial Statement
“We are heartbroken by this terrible event,” authorities stated. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims’ families. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as soon as possible.”
Nationwide Grief and Reflection
The shooting has deeply shaken Austria — a nation unaccustomed to mass shootings. Expressions of sympathy and solidarity have poured in from leaders, educators, and citizens across Europe, urging unity and reflection in the face of tragedy.
Honoring the Victims
Across Graz, residents have begun gathering for candlelight vigils and tributes in memory of the victims. The profound loss of young lives — students on the cusp of their summer holidays — has left communities mourning and searching for comfort.
In these difficult times, we stand in solidarity with the families and all those affected, honoring the memory of those lost.