Tragedy struck a secondary school in Graz, Austria, on June 10 when a gunman opened fire, killing at least nine people. The attacker was also among the deceased, with several others injured and taken to the hospital.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the victims, but they confirmed that the assailant acted alone. Reports suggest that the shooter, a former student, entered the school premises and targeted pupils.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker expressed deep sorrow over the incident, labeling it a national tragedy that has profoundly affected the entire country. The school was evacuated, and emergency services were on the scene to provide support to the victims' families and students.
According to unverified sources, the suspect, a 22-year-old ex-student, was armed with a pistol and a shotgun. He opened fire in two classrooms, one of which was reportedly his former classroom. The Kronen Zeitung newspaper reported that the suspect was found dead in a bathroom.
Dr. Julia Ebner, an extremism expert, noted that this school shooting is one of the worst in Austria's post-war history. While such incidents are rare in Austria compared to other countries, the tragic event has sent shockwaves across the nation.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe learning environment for all children. Austria, known for its high rate of civilian gun ownership, has strict regulations governing firearms possession.
This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the urgent need for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Source: The Straits Times