Nation in Mourning After Deadly School Shooting in Graz, Austria - PRESS AI WORLD
PRESSAI
Recent Posts
side-post-image
side-post-image
Nation in Mourning After Deadly School Shooting in Graz, Austria

Credited from: ALJAZEERA

  • A deadly shooting at BORG DreierschĂĽtzengasse school in Graz leaves 10 dead.
  • The shooter, identified as Arthur A., was a 21-year-old former student.
  • A national moment of silence and three days of mourning declared across Austria.
  • Investigations uncover bomb plans and a troubled history of bullying.
  • The event raises concerns over gun access and the mental health of youth in Austria.

A tragic mass shooting occurred at BORG DreierschĂĽtzengasse school in Graz, Austria, on June 11, where a former student, Arthur A., opened fire, killing 10 people, including nine students and one teacher, and injuring 11 others. This event marks one of the deadliest attacks in Austria's modern history, prompting the country to declare three days of national mourning, with a minute of silence observed at 10 AM on June 12, according to Reuters, The New York Times, and Channel News Asia.

The shooter, armed with legally owned weapons—a shotgun and a pistol—killed himself shortly after the rampage in a school bathroom. Investigators discovered a non-functional pipe bomb and discarded plans for a bomb attack at his home, raising questions about his motivations. Local media reported allegations of bullying while police have yet to confirm these aspects, according to Reuters, BBC, and Al Jazeera.

According to witnesses, the shooting lasted approximately seven minutes, during which the attacker moved through various classrooms on the second and third floors, targeting victims at random. The 21-year-old had been deemed unsuitable for military service due to his introverted nature and reportedly practiced shooting at a gun club prior to the incident. His farewell letters contained apologies to his family but left the motive unclear, as reported by Los Angeles Times, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker condemned the attack as a "national tragedy," stating that a school should be a safe haven for children. This tragedy has sparked debates over Austria's gun laws and the prevalence of gun ownership, which, although generally safe, has raised concerns following this incident. The rapid response from Austrian leaders and citizens reflects the nation’s deep sorrow, as they come together to honor the victims, according to The New York Times, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE:

nav-post-picture
nav-post-picture