Austria is in mourning after its bloodiest football shootout since World War II, which occurred on the morning of June 10 at BORG Dreierschützengasse High School in Graz.
A 21-year-old man, a former student of the school, opened fire to kill 8 students, 1 teacher and injured more than 10 others before committing suicide in the restroom.
As of the evening of the same day, the 10th victim - a seriously injured student - had not survived, according to local media. Currently, 11 people are still being treated in the hospital.
With a shocked face, Austrian Prime Minister Christian Stocker announced that he would hold a national mourning ceremony for 3 days, starting with a minute of silence at 10:00 a.m. on June 11. He called it a dark day in Austrias history and a national tragedy that shocked us all.
The perpetrator - an Austrian citizen without a criminal record - was carrying two legally registered guns, one of which had just been recently purchased. He opened fire on 2 classrooms, including his old class, right after 10am. Police were mobilized with helicopters and special forces, taking 90 minutes to ensure the safety of the area.
Home Secretary Gerhard Karner confirmed that the gunman acted alone, the cause and identity have not been released. Police said he died on the spot, his body was found in the school's toilet.
Principals, teachers and hundreds of students have been evacuated, while the victim's family received psychological support at a nearby gymnasium. The area around the school was strictly blocked, traffic was paralyzed.
President Alexander Van der Bellen shared his grief with the victims' relatives: Young people have their whole lives ahead. A dedicated teacher on the journey with them. nothing can ease the loss at this time.
Meanwhile, Europe expressed their condolences. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it an unacceptable tragedy in the school environment. The German Chancellor and the Hungarian President also sent a message of sharing to the people of Austria.
In a country with the highest rate of gun ownership among people in Europe, but gun violence rarely occurs, the tragedy in Graz is a wake-up call for school security and arms control. In the darkness of mourning, the Austrian people are trying to unite and overcome unprecedented common pain.
