10th June 2025 – In a heartbreaking day for the city of Graz, Austria is reeling from a school shooting that has claimed the lives of 10 people and left up to 30 more injured. The tragic incident unfolded at the BORG high school, with both students and a teacher among the confirmed fatalities. Authorities have secured the scene and initiated a full-scale investigation into the attack, which marks a dark day in the nation’s history.
The violence reportedly began when an unnamed male student at the school opened fire in two classrooms. Following the assault, police discovered the suspected gunman dead in a school bathroom from a self-inflicted wound. The swift and coordinated response by emergency services and special forces ensured that all remaining students and staff were safely evacuated to a secure meeting point. Styrian police confirmed on X that the situation was secure and no further danger was expected, bringing some measure of relief to a terrified community.
As of now, no official motive has been established for the attack. While authorities maintain that the perpetrator acted alone, local media outlets have suggested that he may have considered himself a victim of bullying. However, no evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims, leaving the community to grapple with the senseless violence without a clear reason. The tragedy has prompted a nationwide response, with the Austrian government cancelling all domestic political activities. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has travelled to Graz to oversee the official response.
This incident stands as a stark anomaly in Austria’s history. Unlike the United States, the country has only experienced five mass shootings between 1981 and 2025. This latest tragedy surpasses the previous largest attack, the 2016 Nenzing shooting, which resulted in 11 civilian deaths. The rarity of such events in Austria underscores the shock and grief felt across the nation and raises questions about future gun control and school safety policies. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation as police work to uncover more details about the perpetrator and the motive behind the tragedy.
References:
https://tass.com/emergencies/1971305#:~:text=%2D%20Police%20believe%20that%20he%20acted%20alone
https://news.sky.com/story/austria-school-shooting-live-at-least-eight-killed-in-attack-13381544