A school shooting in Graz has caused one of the deadliest gun incidents in Austria in recent times; the victims include ten people and the gunman. The incident took place on June 10, and it left a strong impact nationally and internationally. Because such an incident is very rare in Austria compared to the strict rules it follows, questions about guns, mental health, and school safety have become more urgent.
How the Attack Unfolded
BORG Dreierschutzengasse, which is about a kilometre away from Graz’s centre, was the site of the attack. The attacker was said to be a 21-year-old man, a former student of the school, and he possessed two guns that he had legally bought. He went into the building at 10 am and shot students in at least two classrooms, killing many of them as well as an adult. It was confirmed by authorities that the perpetrator killed himself, thus raising the total number of deaths to ten.
Quickly after the attack, heavily armed police officers, helicopters, and paramedics arrived at the scene. The school was cleared and the incident finished by midday. Authorities say that the police believe the incident involved only the shooter and that everyone is safe.
Austria Declares National Mourning
Then, after the tragedy, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared a national mourning period of three days. At the press conference in Graz, Frederik Stocker, together with Interior Minister Gerhard Karner called the incident a “dark day” and a “tremendously cruel act.” The chancellor’s choice mirrors the nation’s sorrow over the loss of innocent students and other people.
The mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, stated that the whole city is grieving together. This is appalling and quite a disaster. It’s all about the children” – further emphasizing the sadness shared by everyone affected.
Gun Culture and Security Concerns
The Global Peace Index puts Austria in the top ten safest nations in the world. In spite of everything, there is a high number of privately owned guns in the country, with around 30 guns for every 100 residents, as suggested by the Small Arms Survey. Although machine guns and pump-action shotguns are prohibited, one can buy and own pistols and semi-automatic weapons if one gets the required permission.
As a result of this mishap, more people are expected to discuss the country’s gun rules and how easily those with questionable backgrounds secure a gun. Since the shooter, now an ex-student, was allowed by law to have these weapons, the situation will come under careful examination soon.
A String of European School Attacks
Even though the incidents are uncommon, the presence of school shootings and violent attacks on educational institutions is a concern for Europe. After the Graz shooting, a number of similar attacks have happened in Europe in recent times. In January 2025, a high-school student and teacher were killed following a deadly stabbing in Slovakia.
In December 2024, a seven-year-old child was killed by a stabbing that took place in Zagreb, Croatia. Lately, there has been the Prague university shooting, where 14 people were killed, and a mass shooting at a Belgrade school that took place in the same year.
Such events show that school safety in Europe is under threat. They point out that paying more attention, offering better mental health care, and introducing strong preventative steps are required in schools.
International Condolences and Calls for Action
Leaders across Europe responded swiftly with messages of sympathy and solidarity. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the shooting “horrific,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conveyed her government’s condolences to the victims’ families. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described schools as symbols of hope and youth, lamenting that they had once again become sites of violence.
