Nine dead in Austria school shooting

A mass shooting at a secondary school in Austria’s second-largest city has left nine people dead and at least 10 others injured in what authorities are calling one of the country’s worst school attacks in recent history, Al-Jazeera reported.

Police were called to BORG Dreierschutzengasse school in Graz on Tuesday morning after reports of gunfire. Emergency services responded swiftly and secured the area.

Authorities later confirmed that the suspected shooter had died by suicide, bringing the total number of dead to ten, including the attacker.

According to local officials, at least seven of those killed were students. Graz Mayor Elke Kahr described the shooting as a “terrible tragedy.” One adult was also among the dead, though their identity has not yet been released.

The incident reportedly began shortly after 10 a.m. local time and unfolded across two classrooms. Students, many aged 14 and older, were evacuated and are now receiving psychological support alongside their families.

The attacker is believed to have acted alone and is reported to be a former school student. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Styria state governor Mario Kunasek expressed deep sorrow following the incident.

As a father, I am deeply saddened by this insane act, which has caused so much harm and incredible suffering,” he said in a public statement.

Chancellor Christian Stocker is en route to Graz, and Interior Minister Gerhard Karner is also expected to visit the scene.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s office issued a statement calling the killings “absolutely horrible and tragic,” and offered condolences to the victims’ families and the city.

Graz, located in southeastern Austria, has a population of roughly 300,000. The shooting has shocked the nation and prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity.