Austria has been left in deep shock after a deadly school shooting in the city of Graz claimed eleven lives. Among the victims was the 21-year-old gunman, who reportedly took his own life at the scene, marking the country’s deadliest gun attack in recent history.
The incident happened at Dreierschützengasse secondary school, located in the north-western part of Graz. The tragedy has rattled a nation known for its safety and peaceful communities, with such violent events being extremely rare in Austria.
The identity of the shooter and the motive behind the attack have not been released publicly, but authorities have launched a full investigation to determine what led to the horrifying event. The local community, stunned by the scale of the violence, is mourning the loss of both students and staff who were caught in the tragedy.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and attempted to save lives, but the extent of the injuries and the speed of the attack made the toll devastating. Officials confirmed that the attacker died by suicide after carrying out the shooting.
Dreierschützengasse school has since been closed, and grief counsellors have been deployed to support students, families, and staff struggling to cope with the trauma. Security has also been tightened around other schools in the region as a precaution.
Austria’s Chancellor and senior government officials have expressed condolences to the affected families and pledged support for the investigation. Leaders have also called for a national reflection on school safety and mental health support for young people.
Residents of Graz have been laying flowers and lighting candles near the school as a way to honour the victims. Community leaders and clergy have organized vigils, offering solidarity in the face of tragedy.
The attack has raised broader concerns about the accessibility of firearms and the mental health of young people in Austria. As investigations continue, many are calling for policy discussions to prevent such acts of violence in the future.
The incident has shaken Austria's sense of peace, leaving a nation searching for answers and grieving deeply over the lives lost in what was supposed to be a safe place for learning.
News
Judge Blocks Trump’s Control of National Guard in LA Protests
A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump acted illegally by deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles without California’s approval, sparking a fierce legal and political battle.
Why South Korea Needs Long-Term Nuclear Research Partners
South Korea has made impressive progress in nuclear energy, expanding from building large reactors to exploring advanced technologies like fusion and small modular reactors (SMRs).
Police Officer Suspended After Pregnant Woman Loses Baby in Custody
A police officer has been interdicted after a pregnant woman lost her unborn baby while being held at Rwanyambo Police Post in Nyandarua County.
Israel Strikes Iran, Targets Nuclear Sites in Escalating Tensions
Israel has launched airstrikes on Iran, specifically targeting the country’s nuclear facilities in what marks a serious escalation between the two longtime rivals.
20 Deaths Reported in Police Custody in Just Four Months
Twenty people have died while in police custody in the last four months, raising serious concerns about police conduct.
Air India Plane With Over 240 Aboard Crashes After Takeoff
A London-bound Air India flight carrying more than 240 people crashed shortly after takeoff in the Indian city of Ahmedabad.
Tensions Rise as Israel Poised to Strike Iran Within Days
Israel may be just days away from launching a military strike on Iran, according to U.S. sources speaking to Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen on June 11.
Sudan Accuses Haftar’s Libyan Forces of Aiding RSF Attack
Sudan’s military government has accused Libyan forces loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar of supporting a deadly border attack, claiming the Libyan faction directly aided the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in an assault near the intersection of Sudan, Libya, and Egypt.
Safaricom Distances Itself from Arrest of Albert Ojwang
Safaricom has denied any involvement in the recent arrest of Albert Ojwang, following public speculation linking the company to the incident.
Communications Authority Denies Sharing Data in Ojwang Case
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has firmly denied claims that it provided police with location data before the death of Albert Ojwang, responding to growing speculation on social media and in public discourse.
ODPP Gives IPOA 7 Days to Conclude Probe into Ojwang’s Death
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has given the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) seven days to finish investigating the death of Albert Ojwang.
L.A. Mayor Declares Emergency, Curfew Set for Downtown Area
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has declared a local emergency and imposed a curfew in downtown Los Angeles to curb ongoing vandalism and looting.
Ruto Appoints IEBC Team Despite High Court’s Restraining Order
President William Ruto has appointed Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), along with six commissioners, despite a court order stopping the move.
MSF Shuts Ulang Hospital in South Sudan After Armed Attacks
Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has permanently closed its hospital in Ulang County, South Sudan, due to repeated security threats targeting its staff and facilities.
Two Officers Injured as Bungoma Suspect Turns Violent During Arrest
Two police officers are receiving medical treatment after a violent confrontation during an attempted arrest in Bungoma County.