Ten Killed in Graz School Shooting Including Gunman, Austria Grieves National Tragedy

A quiet school morning in Austria’s second-largest city turned into a nightmare on Tuesday, when a gunman opened fire inside a high school in Graz, killing ten people including himself. The rampage has shocked a nation not used to gun violence of this scale, leaving behind horror, heartbreak, and questions that demand answers.

The attack unfolded at the Dreierschützengasse secondary school just after 10 am local time. According to officials, the suspect—a 21-year-old former student—entered the school armed, moved between two classrooms, and opened fire. Within minutes, lives were lost and a community was shattered.

Graz in Mourning: A City Stunned by Violence

For a city better known for its medieval charm and student-friendly culture, Tuesday’s events were beyond comprehension. Local mayor Siegfried Nagl called it a “terrible tragedy,” visibly shaken during a brief public address.

Police were on the scene almost immediately, arriving within minutes of the emergency call. Still, the damage had been done. The gunman, whose identity has not been released publicly, reportedly took his own life at the scene.

One teacher at a neighboring school said, “We saw helicopters and heavily armed police running down the street. The kids started crying. We didn’t know what was happening.”

Authorities said several victims were students and teachers. Some were just teenagers. Others had spent decades in the classroom. Their names are not yet public.

What We Know So Far

The Interior Ministry initially described “several fatalities” before confirming the death toll at ten. Among the dead was the suspect. Details about how the gunman obtained the weapon remain unclear.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said in a press briefing that the suspect had once attended the school but never graduated. He reportedly had no prior criminal record.

One officer on the scene shared a chilling detail:
“He knew his way around. He didn’t come in randomly. He went straight to those classrooms.”

Karner added that special forces responded swiftly, clearing the building and helping evacuate students still hiding in fear. The whole area was locked down. Armed guards were posted at entrances. Trams were rerouted. Parents stood outside the police tape, some screaming, some just silent.

How the Attack Unfolded

According to eyewitnesses and early investigations, the attack lasted only minutes.

• The shooter entered through a side door, bypassing the front entrance.

• He fired inside two adjacent classrooms before moving to a third.

• Authorities believe he used a semi-automatic weapon.

• He then turned the gun on himself before officers reached him.

There were at least 26 people inside the affected classrooms. Medical responders are still assessing injuries, and officials haven’t released the number of wounded yet.

Austria’s Leadership Reacts: “A National Tragedy”

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker didn’t mince words.

“There are no words for the pain and grief that we all—all of Austria—are feeling right now.”

In an emotional press statement, Stocker extended condolences to the victims’ families and called for a thorough investigation. He also signaled possible changes in gun control laws, though Austria already has some of the stricter firearm regulations in Europe.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education announced that counselors and psychologists were being dispatched to Graz to support both students and staff at affected schools.

An Overview of School Shootings in Austria

School shootings are rare in Austria. In fact, this incident may be the deadliest of its kind in the nation’s modern history.

Here’s a quick comparison of major school shootings in Austria and neighboring countries over the past two decades:

Austria’s previous worst incident at a school resulted in three deaths nearly 30 years ago. For many Austrians, Tuesday’s horror feels like something imported from elsewhere—something that’s not supposed to happen here.

What Happens Next

Investigators are now piecing together a fuller picture of what motivated the shooter. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage, phone records, and any digital footprints.

One police spokesperson mentioned they are not ruling out a manifesto or premeditated planning. Others hinted at possible mental health issues, though no official diagnosis has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, classes at Dreierschützengasse high school have been suspended indefinitely. Parents and teachers met at a nearby civic hall late Tuesday afternoon, grappling with grief and confusion.

For a city like Graz, known more for architecture and art than atrocity, the impact of this massacre will last well beyond the news cycle. The names and faces of the victims—when released—will echo through this town’s streets, homes, and hearts.