Austria School Shooting Leaves Ten Dead, Nation in Mourning

Updated June 12, 2025

Graz, Austria,‍ is reeling after a school shooting claimed the lives⁢ of 10 people on⁢ June 10. The‍ tragedy at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school, ‍what appears to⁣ be the deadliest such attack in Austria since World War II, prompted a national day ⁢of mourning on June 11, ⁣with citizens⁢ lighting candles in remembrance. The ⁢country has declared three days of national mourning.

Hundreds gathered in Graz’s central square, the nation’s‍ second-largest city, laying flowers and candles before⁣ city hall. A memorial grew as mourners sought ⁢solace, some embracing as they grappled with the horrific event. A service at the Graz cathedral drew hundreds, including Austrian officials, Tuesday evening.

Police confirmed that nine students, six‍ girls and three boys between 14 and 17 years ⁣old, were killed. one student was a Polish citizen. ‍A teacher also died in the⁤ attack.⁣ Eleven others sustained injuries before the 21-year-old shooter took his⁢ own ⁢life.

Chiara ⁤komlenic, an art history student⁢ and⁢ alumna of the high school, joined the mourners.”I always felt very protected there,” Komlenic said. “It ⁣just hurts to see that‍ young girls⁣ and boys will never come back.”

Vienna’s ⁢public transportation system paused for a minute of ⁣silence,halting trams,subways,and ‍buses.

The shooter, an Austrian national⁣ and former student ‍who did not ⁣complete his studies, lived near Graz with his mother. He used a legally owned shotgun and pistol, according to⁣ police reports. Investigators searching his home found a farewell letter and ⁢video, along with a non-functional pipe bomb and abandoned plans for a bombing. The⁤ motive remains unclear, authorities stated on social media platform X.

Franz Ruf, ⁤public security director at austria’s Interior Ministry, told ORF public television that the farewell ⁤letter offered no clues to the shooter’s motive.He added that whether the victims were targeted ‍or chosen randomly remains under ‍examination.

Graz hospital authorities reported Wednesday morning⁢ that all patients were in stable condition, with nine in intensive care. Police confirmed that⁤ none of the wounded, aged 15 to 26, were⁢ in life-threatening condition. Among the injured are‍ two Romanian nationals ‍and one Iranian citizen.

Austria’s Press Upholds Ethics

In accordance⁤ with Austria’s strict privacy laws, police have not released⁣ detailed details about the victims beyond thier age, gender, and nationality. The Austrian⁢ Press Council emphasizes journalistic restraint during breaking news events,arguing that publishing personal ⁣details‍ or images of victims could further traumatize families.

Claudia Paganini,a media ethics expert at the University of innsbruck,notes the potential for trauma and emotional overload from consuming news about‍ violent attacks,particularly for ⁣children. She⁣ contrasts the approach with that of the ⁣United States,‍ where news is frequently enough seen as a product, while in northern Europe, journalism is viewed as a service to society with notable⁢ obligation.

The Austrian Press Council has reminded reporters to adhere to its media ‍code,prioritizing the protection⁤ of children’s privacy over news value.

Fabian Enzi, a university student at the memorial, spoke to‍ the⁤ close-knit nature of Graz. “Every time you are out, you meet people you know,” Enzi said. “There is‍ a high chance that with such⁤ an ⁢attack⁢ you know people [who] are ⁢affected.”

What’s next

Investigations continue ‍into the shooter’s ⁢motive as the⁤ community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy. ‍Support services are being offered to those affected by the school shooting in Graz.