In a devastating act of violence, a mass Austrian school shooting occurred at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in Graz on Tuesday, claiming the lives of eight people, including the suspected shooter. The attacker is believed to have died by suicide following the incident. This tragic event has shocked Austria and prompted renewed conversations about safety in educational institutions.
See the Real video at the time of the attack:
#BREAKING :GRAZ SCHOOL SHOOTING DEATH TOLL RISES TO 11 💔
Heartbreaking update from #Lend district in #Graz, #Austria: 11 lives lost in tragic school shooting. Police and Cobra units are on scene, area secured. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families. 😢 #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/mvvDOvUZlO
— ViralNewsHQ™ (@viralposts2323) June 10, 2025
What Happened at BORG Dreierschützengasse High School?
The horrific shooting began around 10:00 am local time, prompting an urgent police response after gunshots were reported by callers within the school. Special forces and emergency personnel were quickly deployed to the scene, with a helicopter circling overhead to assist in the operation.
“Special forces are among those sent to the high school after a call was received at 10 am,” police spokesperson Sabri Yorgun confirmed. Authorities arrived promptly and worked to secure the building.
By 11:30 am, Graz police announced via social media platform X that the school had been evacuated and that all students and staff had been moved to a safe location. “The situation is secured,” police said, assuring the public that there was no further threat.
Police at action at Graz school:
#BREAKING :GRAZ SCHOOL SHOOTING DEATH TOLL RISES TO 11 💔
Heartbreaking update from #Lend district in #Graz, #Austria: 11 lives lost in tragic school shooting. Police and Cobra units are on scene, area secured. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families. 😢 #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/mvvDOvUZlO
— ViralNewsHQ™ (@viralposts2323) June 10, 2025
Who Are the Victims?
While official details about the victims are still being confirmed, reports suggest that both students and staff members were among the dead and seriously injured. The local Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung reported that eight individuals were killed, a number that includes the shooter.
Police have not yet released the identities of those killed, but it is confirmed that several more people sustained serious injuries during the attack. Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the mass Austrian school shooting.
Reactions from Authorities and the Community
The city’s mayor, Elke Kahr, called the shooting a “terrible tragedy,” expressing condolences to the families affected. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence,” she said during a press conference.
The Austrian Interior Ministry acknowledged that there were “several fatalities” and described the attack as a deeply unsettling incident in a country where such public violence is rare.
Dr Ernst Koller, an education psychologist based in Vienna, said that the psychological toll on survivors will be immense. “The trauma of experiencing a school shooting, especially in a country like Austria where such events are virtually unheard of, will have lasting effects,” he stated.
Elke Kahr called the shooting a “terrible tragedy.” [Credit: ERWIN SCHERIAU/APA]
Graz: A City in Shock
Graz, Austria’s second-largest city with a population of around 300,000, is known for its tranquil lifestyle and rich cultural heritage. Located roughly 200 kilometres southwest of Vienna, the city has rarely been associated with violent crime, making this Austrian school shooting all the more jarring.
Parents rushed to the school as soon as news broke, desperate for updates on their children’s safety. One parent, Claudia Reiter, said, “I was shaking. I just wanted to hold my daughter and make sure she was okay.”
A Rare But Growing Concern
While attacks in public spaces are rare in Austria, they are not entirely unheard of. In February 2025, a separate incident in southern Austria saw one teenager killed and five others injured in a stabbing attack. Yet a mass shooting at an Austrian school is virtually unprecedented.
This event marks one of the deadliest school-related attacks in the country’s history and has already triggered calls for heightened security measures in educational institutions.
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What Happens Next?
A thorough investigation is underway to uncover the shooter’s identity, motive, and how the attack was carried out. Forensic teams and counter-terrorism units have been dispatched to analyse evidence and gather witness testimonies.
School counselling services are being rapidly expanded in Graz to support students and staff affected by the attack. Austria’s Ministry of Education has also issued a nationwide advisory encouraging all schools to review their emergency response protocols.
Calls for Action and Healing
In the wake of the tragedy, questions are being asked about mental health services, access to firearms, and preparedness of schools to handle violent incidents. Though Austria has relatively strict gun laws, some are calling for even tighter regulations.
Public mourning events are being planned in Graz, and community members are uniting to support the victims’ families. Local churches and cultural centres have opened their doors for grief counselling and community solidarity.
Final Thoughts
The Austrian school shooting at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school is a tragedy that has shaken the entire nation. As Austria grapples with the shock and grief of this horrifying event, the focus must now turn to healing, supporting those affected, and ensuring such a tragedy is never repeated.
In a country that has long prided itself on peace and stability, this attack is a chilling reminder that even the safest communities must remain vigilant. The path forward will require not only justice for the victims but also a renewed commitment to school safety, mental health care, and national unity.
