A devastating school shooting in Graz, Austria, has resulted in an increased death toll, with a woman succumbing to her injuries at the University Hospital of Graz. This brings the total number of fatalities to ten, including seven women and three men, with the perpetrator, a 21-year-old Austrian man, having taken his own life after the attack. Eleven others were injured, some severely.
According to the police, the suspect, who was previously unknown to authorities, was a former student of the school, but did not complete his studies. The Austrian Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, revealed at a press conference that the suspect was in legal possession of the weapons used, a long-barreled weapon and a hand gun, as he held a firearms permit.
The motives behind the attack remain unclear and the authorities are urging the public to refrain from speculating about the incident, out of respect for the victims and their families.
The school will remain closed until further notice, with a designated area to be set up for the school community to mourn and receive psychological support. The Austrian Chancellor, Christian Stocker, has announced a three-day period of national mourning, with a nationwide minute of silence to be observed at 10 am on Wednesday.
The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, expressed his shock and sympathy with the families of the victims, stating, “We share the pain and grief of the families. Our entire sympathy is with them. I wish the injured a speedy recovery and hope that the families of the victims find solace in the circle of their loved ones and friends.