In a shocking event on Tuesday morning, a 22-year-old former student opened fire at a secondary school in Graz, Austria, leaving at least nine dead and nearly 30 wounded. Authorities believe the lone attacker, who died at the scene, targeted two classrooms, including one he once attended.
Police secured the area within minutes, evacuating students and staff. Relatives were guided to nearby support zones as emergency crews tended to the injured. Reports indicate the suspect, who had no prior criminal record, legally owned both a pistol and a shotgun and was previously bullied at the school.
This marks the deadliest school shooting in Austria's post-war era. While such incidents remain rare across Europe, this tragedy underscores growing global concerns over gun violence and school safety.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker called the attack "a national tragedy that has deeply shaken our entire country," adding, "There are no words for the pain and grief that we all, all of Austria, are feeling right now."
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on social media: "Every child should feel safe at school and be able to learn free from fear and violence. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the Austrian people in this dark moment."
As Graz begins the recovery process, experts stress the need for enhanced mental health support and preventive measures. The global community must keep working together to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for youth everywhere.
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Gunman kills at least nine in attack on Austria's secondary school
cgtn.com
