As the media BBC writes
The number of victims in the shooting at an Austrian school in Graz on June 10 has risen to 11. One of the injured women died in the hospital. This was reported by the BBC.
According to the police, the 21-year-old attacker, who previously studied at this school, took his own life in the school’s restroom shortly after the attack. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner noted that among the deceased are six women and three men. Another 12 people were injured, nine of whom are in serious condition.
The minister also stated that the attacker did not complete his studies at this school, and his motives are currently being investigated. The police clarified that he had no prior record with law enforcement. Preliminary data indicate that the attacker had a license to own weapons and legally possessed a pistol and a rifle.
The Austrian citizen, originally from Graz, acted alone. A three-day mourning period has been declared in the country. On Wednesday at 10:00 local time, a nationwide moment of silence will be held in honor of the victims.
Reaction of World Leaders to the Tragedy
After the attack, European leaders expressed their condolences. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker described the day as a “dark day in our country’s history” and declared the shooting a national tragedy.
“Every child should feel safe at school and be able to learn without fear and violence.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on platform X: “The news from Graz strikes at the very heart.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz added: “Terrible news from Graz. Our thoughts are with our Austrian friends and neighbors; we mourn with them.”
The prime ministers of Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia also expressed their shock. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased, the injured, and their loved ones on behalf of the entire Italian government.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed sympathy, while Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala wrote on X: “It is incredibly painful when something like this happens – especially in a place that should symbolize safety.” He emphasized that he is “deeply moved” by the news from Graz.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter stated that she is “in a state of great shock” and added: “My thoughts are with the families of all the victims of this terrible day.”
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Speaker of the Polish Parliament, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, also expressed condolences, calling the tragedy “horrific.” New Romanian President Nikuşor Dan, while visiting Moldova, said he is “deeply affected by the bloody tragedy.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the event with the words: “Schools must never become places of violence. We sympathize with the victims, their families, and the Austrian people. We wish a speedy recovery to all the injured. Ukraine shares the pain of friendly Austria.”
“I am deeply shocked by the horrific attack that took place this morning at a school in Graz. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Europe stands with Austria.”
She thanked everyone who responded promptly and wished the injured a swift recovery.
The Deadliest Shooting in Modern Austrian History
This attack is the deadliest shooting in modern Austrian history. Previously, the largest tragedy occurred in 2020 when Islamist Kujtim Fejzulai killed four people and injured 23 more in central Vienna.
In 2016, in the town of Nenzing, during a concert, a man opened fire, killing two and injuring 11 others before shooting himself.
