School shooting in Austria’s Graz leaves several dead, suspect believed to have killed himself

At least ten people, including students, a teacher, and the suspected gunman, have been confirmed dead following a mass shooting at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in Graz on June 10 morning.

Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, is located in the southeast of the country and has a population of about 300,000.

The Austrian Press Agency (APA) reports that the gunman, identified as a 22-year-old former student, entered two classrooms around 10 a.m. local time, using a legally owned handgun and shotgun to open fire before taking his own life in a bathroom
Authorities later discovered his body at the scene .

A large-scale police operation involving special forces (Einsatzkommando Cobra) and helicopters secured the school within 90 minutes.

Students and staff were evacuated, and crisis intervention teams were dispatched. Around 28 people were hospitalized, with four in critical condition.

Authorities are continuing forensic investigations and monitoring survivors' recovery, as the country grapples with one of the deadliest school shootings in its history.

Authorities have not yet provided an official motive for the school shooting in Graz, Austria. Reports indicate that the suspected shooter was a former student of the school, but investigators have not released any details about the reasons behind the attack or any possible grievances.

Graz Mayor Elke Kahr, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, and Chancellor Christian Stocker have described the shooting as a "national tragedy", with the Chancellor canceling all official duties to travel to the city.

President Alexander Van der Bellen and EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas, conveyed their condolences to victims and families.

Austria, with roughly 30 civilian-owned firearms per 100 residents, governs weapon ownership through background checks and licensing. However, critics are calling for stricter controls in light of this school shooting.