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By Newspot Nigeira Global Affairs Desk
GRAZ, AUSTRIA — In what is now being described as Austria’s deadliest post-war school shooting, a 21-year-old former student opened fire at Dreierschützengasse High School in the city of Graz on Tuesday morning, killing 11 people and injuring at least 12 others.
The attack began shortly after 10:00 local time and sent shockwaves across the country. According to Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, the gunman—who did not graduate from the school—legally owned the two firearms used in the attack: a long gun and a handgun. He died by suicide in a bathroom on the school premises before police could apprehend him.
Initial reports confirmed nine fatalities, comprising six women and three men. The death toll later rose to 11 after one of the critically injured victims died in hospital. Local health authorities stated that two victims remain in critical condition, while five others are being treated for serious injuries.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared three days of national mourning and described the day as “a dark one in the history of our country.” A nationwide moment of silence is set for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. Flags across public buildings are already flying at half-mast, and candlelight vigils are springing up across Graz.
Residents of Graz have responded with an outpouring of support. The Austrian Red Cross and local football club SK Sturm Graz opened emergency blood donation centres. “All we can do is try to make a small contribution,” said club director Thomas Tebbich.
Eyewitness accounts confirm the shooting occurred in two classrooms and partly outside the school. A nearby resident reported hearing an initial volley of gunfire, a pause, and then more shots before one final loud bang, believed to be the gunman’s last.
Emotional scenes unfolded outside the school as anxious parents reunited with their children. “It’s unbelievable,” said one tearful mother. “You sit at home, not knowing if your child is safe. I still haven’t calmed down.”
Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. The perpetrator was not previously known to police, adding to the mystery surrounding the attack. Austria’s Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr has confirmed that Dreierschützengasse High School will remain closed until further notice.
The Graz tragedy joins a short but painful list of mass shootings in Austria, surpassing the 1997 Mauterndorf killings and the 2020 Vienna attack in scale and trauma.
As the nation reels from this senseless act of violence, global communities, including Nigeria, extend heartfelt condolences. The incident also reopens debates about firearm access, mental health, and school safety—even in societies previously considered low-risk.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and offer timely updates. Our hearts go out to the people of Austria during this time of immense sorrow. 🕯️🇦🇹
— Reported by Newspot Nigeria’s Global Affairs Desk.
