Austria has begun three days of national mourning after a tragic school shooting in the city of Graz left 10 people dead and 12 seriously injured. Authorities revealed on Wednesday that a makeshift, non-functional bomb was discovered at the suspect’s home, as the country grapples with one of its deadliest mass shootings in modern history.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday at the Dreierschuetzengasse secondary school, where a 21-year-old former student opened fire in a shocking act of violence that has devastated the tight-knit Alpine nation.
Suspect Acted Alone, Took His Own Life at the Scene
Police confirmed that the gunman, an Austrian national from the Graz region, acted alone before taking his own life in a school restroom. The suspect legally owned two firearms, which he used in the attack. Investigators also found a farewell letter addressed to his parents but say it provided no explanation for his deadly actions.
“It’s truly shocking,” said Mariam Fayz, a 22-year-old student, who laid flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the school alongside other grieving locals. “We’ll always think back on this day.”
Nationwide Mourning and Vigils Held Across Austria
A minute of silence was observed at 10:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, with Chancellor Christian Stocker calling the shooting a “national tragedy.” The school, which serves about 400 students aged 14 to 18, has become the epicenter of collective grief, as mourners continue to gather outside with candles, flowers, and messages for the victims.
Among the dead was a 17-year-old French exchange student. Nine victims were killed at the scene, while a tenth died later in hospital. Twelve others remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
Community in Shock as Questions About Motive Remain
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner told reporters that the shooter, who never completed his studies at the school, had no apparent links to extremist groups. While some local media reported the suspect may have experienced bullying, investigators have not confirmed a motive.
“There are stories from classmates about harassment,” said Ennio, a current student, “but in a moment like this, it’s indescribably difficult.”
An American expatriate living nearby expressed disbelief: “In my home country it happens more often, sadly — but here in Graz, it’s unheard of.”
Gun Violence Remains Rare in Austria
Austria, a nation of 9.2 million, consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries according to the Global Peace Index. Firearm-related incidents, particularly school shootings, are exceptionally rare.
European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have expressed condolences.
The tragedy comes amid a concerning rise in isolated acts of violence in European schools and universities over the past year, though such incidents remain infrequent compared to the United States.
Recent attacks in France, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, and the Czech Republic have reignited debates across Europe about school safety, youth mental health, and firearm accessibility.
