Austria mourns deadliest school shooting

A tragic mass shooting occurred at BORG Dreierschützengasse, a secondary school in Graz, Austria, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals, including six females, three males, and one adult woman. The shooter, identified as 21-year-old former student Artur A., entered the school around 9:55 a.m. local time armed with a legally owned Glock pistol and a shotgun. He opened fire in at least two classrooms, injuring at least 11 others before taking his own life in a school bathroom.

This incident marks the deadliest school shooting in Austria's modern history. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed the number of victims and noted that most were pupils. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but police believe the shooter acted alone. A suicide note found at his residence indicated he had experienced bullying during his time at the school. Additionally, authorities discovered a non-functional pipe bomb and a farewell video sent to his mother.

In response to the tragedy, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker described the event as a "dark day" in the nation's history and announced three days of national mourning. He expressed the collective grief and bewilderment felt across Austria, emphasizing the profound impact of the shooting on the community. The government deployed over 300 officers, including special forces, to respond to the incident, successfully evacuating the school within 17 minutes.

Austria has one of the most heavily armed civilian populations in Europe, with an estimated 30 firearms per 100 people. As investigations continue, the community remains in shock, grappling with the aftermath of this devastating act of violence.

Police said they believed the 21-year-old Austrian shooter, who was found dead in a bathroom, had been operating alone when he entered the school with two guns and opened fire. His motive remained unclear.