Austria: Shooting in Graz school leaves nine dead

At least nine people died in a shooting incident at a school in Austria’s Graz city on Tuesday, media reports said.

The country’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed that there were nine fatalities, including seven students and one adult, ORF reported, quoting APA.

According to local reports, the suspect behind the attack was among those killed in the shooting.

He reportedly killed himself.

Several people were also reported to be seriously injured, including students and teachers. They were taken to Graz Regional Hospital, ORF reported.

The motive behind the attack is still not clear.

The police said the school was evacuated and people were shifted to safe places.

“The school was evacuated and everyone was taken to a safe meeting place,” police wrote on X.

Political reactions

The mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, spoke to ORF on the attack and described it as ‘terrible tragedy’.

Governor Mario Kunasek reacted to the incident and wrote on Facebook: “It’s unbelievable what happened in Graz today. As the governor of Styria and as a father, I am deeply touched by this madness that has brought so much misfortune and unbelievable suffering. My thoughts are with the innocent victims, families and teachers.”

He further said: “I am in constant exchange with the Minister of the Interior, the members of the State Government and the State Police Directorate. Once confirmed information is available, we will inform further.”

US directs citizens to remain alert

The US, meanwhile, directed its nationals to monitor local news and the police for all updates on the shooting incident.

“ALERT: There are reports of a shooting at a school and police action in Graz around Dreierschützengasse. We recommend that American citizens in the area monitor local news and follow @PolizeiStmk for updates,” the US Embassy in Vienna wrote on X.