10 Dead, 12 Injured in Austrian School Shooting: Graz in Mourning

A tragic school shooting at BORG Dreierschützengasse in Graz has left the nation in shock. A former student opened fire on Tuesday morning, killing 10 people and injuring 12 others before taking his own life.

At around 9:55 a.m., 21-year-old Artur Achleitner, a former student of the school, entered the premises armed with a Glock pistol and a shotgun. He opened fire in one of the classrooms, indiscriminately targeting students and staff. The shooting lasted approximately 8 minutes, during which he fired over 40 rounds.

Nine students, aged between 14 and 17, and one 59-year-old female teacher were killed. Twelve others sustained injuries—some from bullets, others from the chaos that followed. Several victims remain in critical condition at local hospitals.

Artur reportedly ended the rampage by shooting himself in a school bathroom. He was found dead at the scene.

Police arrived on the scene within minutes. The school was placed under immediate lockdown, and over 300 officers were deployed. By 10:17 a.m., law enforcement had secured the entire premises. Emergency services, including 158 paramedics and 65 ambulances, were dispatched swiftly to provide aid.

The suspect had no prior criminal record, but authorities later discovered a pipe bomb and written bomb-making plans at his residence, suggesting he had intended further destruction.

Artur was a withdrawn student who reportedly faced bullying during his school years. A video message sent to his mother before the attack revealed feelings of resentment and loneliness. In the message, he apologized to his family and blamed years of humiliation as the driving force behind the violence.

Investigators are still analyzing his digital trail and writings to determine whether he acted alone or was inspired by other incidents. Early findings point to deep psychological issues rather than a politically motivated attack.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker described the incident as a “national tragedy.” President Alexander Van der Bellen and Graz Mayor Elke Kahr visited the site and met with grieving families. Austria observed a minute of silence the following morning at 10:00 a.m. National flags were flown at half-mast, and schools across the country held vigils in memory of the victims.

A mass candlelight vigil was held outside Graz Cathedral where thousands of residents gathered in solidarity.

The incident has reignited the debate around Austria’s gun laws. Although private firearm ownership is legal, many argue that background checks are too lenient. The fact that Artur legally purchased his weapons, despite a history of psychological distress, has alarmed lawmakers.

Mayor Kahr called for an urgent review of gun ownership regulations, especially regarding access to semi-automatic firearms and storage security.

The community of Graz is devastated. Residents, students, and teachers described the event as “unthinkable.” Makeshift memorials with flowers, letters, and candles now line the school’s front gate. Blood donation drives and counseling centers have been set up across the city.

On social media, many users shared tributes, photos of the victims, and expressed outrage over the growing pattern of school violence. Unfortunately, misinformation also spread online, with some falsely identifying innocent individuals as the shooter.

This tragedy is one of the deadliest school shootings in Austria’s history. It has exposed gaps in mental health support, school safety, and gun control. As families mourn their children and loved ones, the nation is left asking how such violence could erupt in one of its most peaceful cities.

While the grief will take a long time to heal, Austria must now confront the deeper questions of prevention, youth well-being, and how to ensure that schools remain places of learning—not loss. Keep Reading Quest Euro for more news.

Keep Reading Quest Euro for more news.

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