Austria declares three days of mourning after school shooting

Austria declares three days of mourning after school shooting

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Austria held a nationwide minute of silence and a candlelight vigil after a former student shot and killed 10 people at Dreierschützengasse secondary school in Graz, the deadliest school attack in the country’s history. The 21-year-old shooter took his own life shortly after the attack, police said. Authorities found a farewell letter and a non-functional pipe bomb at his home, but his motive remains unclear.

Three days of national mourning have been declared. The victims include seven students, with six females and four males among those killed. Eleven others were injured. The gunman legally owned two firearms and was not previously known to police, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed.

Thousands gathered at Graz’s main square for the vigil, lighting candles and expressing grief and solidarity. Chancellor Christian Stocker called it a “national tragedy” and described the violation of a school—a place of trust and safety—as “a dark day in the history of our country.”

The school remains closed while investigations continue. The incident shocked Austria, a country known for its low levels of violent crime. European leaders and local officials have expressed condolences, emphasizing the need for security and support for those affected.