Austria School Shooting: At Least 10 Dead, Suspect Kills Himself
GRAZ, Austria — June 10, 2025:
Tragedy struck BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in southeastern Graz this morning when a former student opened fire around 10 a.m. CEST, claiming at least 10 lives—including nine victims and the shooter, who died by suicide in a school bathroom.
Victims & Injuries
- Nine victims: eight students (aged 15–17) and one adult (teacher or staff)
- At least 11 others were injured, some critically, with one later succumbing to injuries.
The Perpetrator
- A 21-year-old former student, identified as Artur A., legally owned a Glock pistol and shotgun
- Police recovered both weapons at the scene.
- He entered the school through his old classrooms and triggered a 17-minute rampage with approximately 40 gunshots, then took his own life.
Response & Investigation
- 300 police officers, including tactical units and a helicopter, responded immediately after emergency calls
- The school was evacuated by 11:20 a.m., and medical teams were deployed to local hospitals with severe cases transported promptly.
- A suspected suicide note and a possible motive linked to bullying were found during the investigation
Officials React
- Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker described it as a “national tragedy”, declaring three days of national mourning, lowered flags, and a minute of silence nationwide (abcnews.go.com).
- Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed the suspect acted alone and had no prior police record
- Mayor Elke Kahr called it a “tragedy,” while provincial governor Mario Kunasek emphasized the need to support the community in this time of grief.
Context & Implications
This massacre is the deadliest school shooting in Austria’s postwar history, surpassing previous mass attacks in Vienna (2020) and Graz (2015)
The shooter’s legal access to firearms—despite owning them within existing regulations—has ignited debates over Austria’s gun laws, which permit hunting weapons at age 18 and allow privately sold firearms with minimal scrutiny.
Austria’s leadership has pledged thorough investigations and review of gun licensing measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
What’s Next:
- Authorities will analyze the suicide note and digital evidence for motive.
- The government’s announced mourning period begins today.
- National discussions on revising firearms regulation are expected.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and community affected by this unspeakable loss.
