Shooter kills ten people at Austrian school

Authorities confirmed that six victims were female and three male, with twelve others suffering severe injuries. The situation was deemed "secure," and support was being provided to witnesses and those affected by the tragedy.

Shooter's background

The suspect, a 21-year-old Austrian from the Graz region, acted alone and took his own life in the school restroom. He used two legally owned weapons for the attack. Interior Minister Gerhard Karnert stated that the shooter was a former student but had not completed his studies.

National mourning

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared three days of national mourning for the victims, describing the event as "an act of unimaginable violence." He emphasized the impact on children and the community, referring to it as a national tragedy.

International reactions

Condolences poured in from across Europe. Kaja Kallas, the European Union's top diplomat, expressed her shock and emphasized the right of every child to feel safe at school. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also extended their sympathies, highlighting the horror of the incident.

Context of violence in Austria

Attacks in public places are rare in Austria, which ranks among the safest countries globally. While school shootings are uncommon in Europe compared to the United States, recent years have seen a troubling trend of violence in educational settings throughout the continent.

Recent incidents in Europe

Other recent incidents include a knife attack in France, a stabbing in Slovakia, and multiple attacks in Croatia and the Czech Republic, reflecting a growing concern over safety in schools across Europe.