Austrian police report ten fatalities in a school shooting at the Dreierschützengasse secondary school in Graz.
The incident unfolded in the north-west of the city. According to Austria’s APA news agency, seven of the deceased were students, with the gunman also among the dead.
Local media indicate a further 28 individuals are receiving treatment for injuries at area hospitals. Three days of national mourning have been declared.
Flags at Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, the President’s office, will fly at half-mast. Chancellor Christian Stocker described the attack as a devastating blow to the nation, highlighting the loss of young lives.
Police initiated their response at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST) following reports of gunfire within the school. The specialized Cobra tactical unit, trained in counter-terrorism and hostage situations, was deployed.
Authorities successfully evacuated students and staff, securing the premises and confirming the absence of further public danger. Fanny Gasser, a journalist with Kronen Zeitung, described widespread emotional distress within the community.
Gasser noted the close-knit nature of Graz, emphasizing the personal impact on the city’s residents. She also highlighted the likely lack of preparedness for such an event within the school, contrasting Austria’s perceived safety with the realities of such attacks.
Graz Mayor Elke Kahr termed the event a “terrible tragedy,” while European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas expressed deep shock on X, underscoring the fundamental right of children to safe and secure education.