Nine people killed, others injured in Austrian school shooting by former student

Nine people were killed on Tuesday in a mass shooting at the BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in Graz, Austria, carried out by a 21-year-old former student, authorities said. 

The gunman, who had no prior police record, took his own life following the attack.

The shooting occurred in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, shortly after 10 a.m. local time. According to police, the attacker used two legally owned firearms—a long gun and a handgun—before dying by suicide in a school bathroom.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker described the incident as “a dark day in the history of our country,” while Graz Mayor Elke Kahr called it a “terrible tragedy,” according to the Austria Press Agency (APA).

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed that the shooter had previously attended the school but did not complete his studies. He did not clarify when the individual had left the institution.

Among the victims were six females and three males, Karner said, without providing additional details. APA earlier reported that seven of the victims were students and one was an adult. Twelve others were injured in the attack.

Police confirmed that the building was fully evacuated and declared secure. "The situation is secure. No further danger is expected," authorities posted on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the response was triggered by reports of gunfire inside the school.

Special forces responded to the emergency call, and both firearms used in the attack were recovered at the scene. The suspect reportedly lived near Graz.

While the motive remains unknown, regional police chief Gerald Ortner said the investigation is ongoing.

In Brussels, European Union spokesperson Paula Pinho offered condolences, stating, “We stand together in mourning while we seek clarity in the wake of this horrible event.”

Chancellor Stocker announced three days of national mourning in response to the tragedy. Flags at official buildings will be flown at half-staff, and a national minute of silence will take place on Wednesday morning in memory of the victims.