Austria School Shooting: 9 Dead – NPR News
- A shooting at a school in Graz, Austria, left nine people dead Tuesday morning.
- local time at the Bundesoberstufenrealgymnasium Dreierschützengasse, a secondary school located in the northwest part of the city.
- Authorities reported that the victims included six women and three men.
A tragic school shooting in Graz, Austria, claimed nine lives Tuesday morning, sending shockwaves through the nation. The gunman,identified as a 21-year-old former student,is also dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound,according to police.The attack took place at a secondary school, prompting a massive emergency response.Austria is now in a state of mourning, with three days dedicated to honoring the victims of this senseless act of violence. Authorities are investigating the motive behind this devastating event; the victims’ identities and their relationship to the school are yet to be defined. For those following the events closely, News Directory 3 offers continued coverage on this harrowing story. Explore the latest updates and learn how the community is responding to this tragedy. Discover what’s next.
Nine dead in Austria school shooting
Updated January 30, 2024
A shooting at a school in Graz, Austria, left nine people dead Tuesday morning. Police confirmed that the shooter, a former student, also died in what authorities believe was a suicide.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time at the Bundesoberstufenrealgymnasium Dreierschützengasse, a secondary school located in the northwest part of the city. initial reports indicated gunfire, prompting a large police response.
Authorities reported that the victims included six women and three men. Details regarding the victims’ ages or whether they were students or teachers have not been released.
Police arrived quickly and evacuated the school, with 300 officers and 160 paramedics responding to the scene.
The suspected shooter, identified as a 21-year-old former student, was found dead in a school restroom from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police indicated that he acted alone and possessed a license for the two guns, a rifle and a handgun, used in the attack.His name has not been released.
“There are no words to describe the pain, the disbelief and the grief that all of Austria feels right now,” Austrian Chancellor Christian stocker said at a press conference. He announced three days of national mourning.
Austria has a high rate of gun ownership among civilians in Europe. While machine guns and pump-action guns are banned, revolvers, pistols, and semi-automatic weapons are permitted with proper licensing.
What’s next
The inquiry is ongoing as authorities work to determine the motive behind the shooting and provide support to the victims’ families and the community.