Graz Tragedy: Shocking School Attack Leaves One Dead and One Injured
On June 10, 2025, the city of Graz, located in Austria, was the scene of a devastating attack that shocked the country and the world. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker described the incident as “heinous” and a “national tragedy”. In a press conference, he confirmed that the shooter, a 21-year-old former student, took his own life after committing the crime, leaving a trail of pain and suffering. In total, three men and six women lost their lives, and another 12 students were injured, some of them critically.
The Details of the Attack
The attack occurred at around 10 a.m. local time, which is 5 a.m. in Brasília. Initial reports indicate that the shooter acted alone, using two weapons, a pistol and a shotgun, both legally acquired. According to police in the state of Styria, where Graz is located, more than 300 officers were mobilized to respond to the emergency, with 56 of them arriving at the school within minutes of receiving reports of gunfire.
Authorities acted quickly, evacuating students from the school and bringing the situation under control. The scene was cordoned off so that an investigation could be carried out. Graz Mayor Elke Kahr expressed her outrage, calling the attack a “horrible tragedy,” noting that both students and adults were among the dead. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen also spoke out, saying that “this is a dark day in the history of our country.”
Repercussions and National Mourning
Following the attack, the Austrian government declared three days of official mourning. Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger expressed her solidarity with the victims and their families, noting that as a mother, the tragedy had affected her deeply. “It is incomprehensible and unbearable,” she said, reflecting the collective sense of grief and bewilderment at what had happened.
Austria, meanwhile, has one of the most heavily armed civilian populations in Europe, with around 30 firearms per 100 people, according to data from the Small Arms Survey. While machine guns and pump-action shotguns are banned, revolvers and pistols can be purchased with a permit. The attack raises serious questions about the safety and regulation of gun ownership in the country.
What We Know So Far
- The shooter was a former student at the school where the attack took place.
- Two weapons were used and purchased legally.
- More than 300 police officers responded to the attack in Graz.
- Victims were taken to nearby hospitals and a safe point was established for students.
History of Violence in Austria
Unfortunately, this is not the first mass shooting in Austria. In 2020, four people were killed and 22 injured when a convicted jihadist opened fire in Vienna. In 1997, a mechanic killed six people in Mauterndorf before taking his own life. These tragic events highlight the need for a broader discussion about gun violence in the country.
The Brazilian government also expressed its solidarity with the families of the victims and the Austrian people. The Brazilian embassy in Vienna has made itself available to assist Brazilian citizens in emergency situations. So far, there is no confirmation that Brazilians are among the victims.
Final Reflections
This attack in Graz is a painful reminder of the fragility of security in environments that should be safe, such as schools. As the investigation continues, the hope is that lessons learned can prevent similar tragedies from happening again in the future. Society must come together to discuss ways to prevent and support victims and their families.
If you were impacted by this story, please feel free to share your thoughts and feelings in the comments below. Your voice matters!