Austria is reeling after a former student went on a shooting spree at a high school, leaving at least 9 people dead and 12 injured. The gunman, a 21-year-old Austrian man, took his own life after the attack.
The shooting happened at the Dreierschützengasse school in Graz, the country’s second-largest city, on Tuesday. The victims include three men and six women, with two of the injured in critical condition and five in serious condition.
The gunman used two legally owned guns, a rifle and a pistol, to carry out the attack. He had a permit to carry firearms and was not known to the police before the incident.
The shooter was a former student of the school who did not graduate. He killed himself in a bathroom at the school.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stöcker called the attack a “national tragedy” and announced a three-day mourning period. A minute of silence will be held at 10 am local time on Wednesday to honor the victims.
The attack has sent shockwaves across the country, with many left wondering how such a tragedy could occur. The authorities are still investigating the motives behind the attack.
Sources close to the investigation say the gunman’s background is being thoroughly checked, but so far, no clear motive has been established. The police are also reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the attack.
The incident has raised concerns about gun control and school safety in Austria. The country has strict gun laws, but the fact that the shooter was able to legally own two guns has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of these laws.
As the nation mourns the loss of life, many are calling for a thorough review of the country’s gun laws and school safety measures to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
Investigation ongoing
The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. They are reviewing the gunman’s social media accounts and interviewing his friends and acquaintances to gain a better understanding of his motives.
The authorities are also looking into the gunman’s mental health and any potential warning signs that may have been missed. The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released in the coming days.
Vigil held for victims
A vigil was held outside the school on Tuesday evening to honor the victims. Mourners gathered to pay their respects, laying flowers and candles at the scene.
The vigil was attended by local officials, including the mayor of Graz, who expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. The ceremony was a somber affair, with many in attendance visibly shaken by the events of the day.
Sources:
BBC