Austria is in shock after a mass shooting at a secondary school in Graz that left 11 people dead, including the attacker, and at least 11 others injured. The shooting, which occurred on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the BORG Dreierschützengasse school, is now considered the deadliest school shooting in modern Austrian history.
What Happened
The attacker, a 21-year-old former student identified as Artur A., entered the school armed with a legally purchased Glock semi-automatic pistol and a shotgun. At approximately 10:00 a.m. local time, he opened fire in two classrooms, firing around 40 rounds in the span of 17 minutes.
Authorities say the attacker then took his own life in a school restroom. A suicide note was recovered, offering some insight into his motives, including references to past bullying, though investigations are ongoing.
Emergency services responded swiftly, securing the scene by 10:17 a.m.. Students and staff were evacuated, and trauma teams were immediately deployed to provide psychological support.
Victims
The current death toll stands at 11, including the shooter. Among the victims were eight students, two teachers, and an adult who later succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The victims included six females and three males. An additional 11 people were injured, several critically, and remain hospitalized.
Over 300 students and staff members are now receiving mental health care and trauma counseling.
The Shooter
Artur A., who had no criminal record, had legally obtained both weapons used in the attack. The Glock pistol was purchased only days prior, and the shotgun had been acquired earlier. Investigators say he had passed all required background checks, highlighting potential gaps in Austria’s gun control system.
While a suicide note indicated that bullying during his school years may have been a motivating factor, police are still working to confirm the full context of the shooting.
National Reaction
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared a three-day period of national mourning. Flags have been lowered to half-mast, and a minute of silence was observed across the country at 10:00 a.m. on June 11.
Government officials, including Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, have described the event as a “national tragedy” and pledged a full investigation. All school events in the region have been suspended, and the BORG school will remain closed indefinitely.
Firearm Policy Under Scrutiny
Austria has relatively relaxed gun laws compared to other European nations, with approximately 30 guns per 100 residents. The attack has reignited a national debate over firearm regulations, especially regarding the ease of access for young adults and private gun sales.
Political leaders across party lines have called for urgent reviews of gun ownership laws and licensing procedures.
The incident is likely to accelerate proposed reforms around psychological evaluations and age restrictions for gun ownership.
Looking Ahead
The Austrian government has promised:
- A thorough review of gun laws
- Expanded support for survivors and the school community
- Nationwide safety audits in schools
As Austria mourns, this tragic event has become a defining moment in the country’s ongoing discussion about school safety, mental health, and firearm regulation.
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