Ten dead as ‘bullied’ former pupil, 22, goes on shooting rampage at Austrian school
The shooting, which took place in the city of Graz, southern Austria, took place at around 10am local time, with locals reportedly hearing gunshots from inside the high school.
According to local media, the suspected perpetrator, a ‘bullied former pupil’, was found dead in one of the school restrooms after turning the weapon on himself.
The 22-year-old was a former student at the high school, with police now investigating the incident, with a cordon currently in place on a street named Dreierschuetzengasse.
Confirming the deaths at midday local time on Tuesday, The State Criminal Police Office said the suspect is believed to be a former student who allegedly opened fire in two classrooms.
Describing the shooting as a “terrible tragedy”, the mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, issued an update on the death toll, which includes at least seven students, an adult thought to be a teacher, and the suspected gunman.
The Styrian police have confirmed the situation is now under control with “no further danger is expected.”
In a statement posted to X, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker described the shooting as a “national tragedy that has deeply shaken our entire country”.
“This incomprehensible act has suddenly torn young people from the lives they still had ahead of them. There are no words for the pain and grief that we all—in Austria—are feeling right now.
“My thoughts are with the families and parents who lost their children, their siblings, and their loved ones. My condolences go out to those who suffered injuries and immeasurable emotional distress as a result of this unimaginable act of violence, to all the students and school staff.
“What happened today affects us all—as individuals, as parents, as a society. A school is a place of trust, security, and hope. The fact that this safe space was so brutally shattered leaves us stunned.
Thanking the emergency services for working “prudently under the most difficult circumstances”, he added that “Today, it’s all about compassion”.
“And about being there for one another. In these difficult times, humanity is our greatest strength.”
Authorities have confirmed an Austrian special task force, known as Cobra, was deployed to the area following reports of gunfire.
Images emerging from the scene show several ambulances stationed close to the school, with armed police in body armour seen clustered close to the scene of the attack.
Two police helicopters were deployed to the school at the centre of the incident, authorities confirmed.
Austrian state news outlet ORF now reporting that all remaining teachers and students trapped in the building have been evacuated.
158 paramedics attended the scene following initial emergency calls, according to the Red Cross
A further 31 crisis intervention staff remain on-site, with 65 emergency vehicles called into operation following reports of gunfire.