Austria Enters Three-Day Mourning Following Tragic School Shooting

National Mourning in Austria

On June 11, a three-day period of national mourning commenced in Austria after a devastating mass shooting at a school left the nation in shock.

Reports indicate that the tragic incident, which took place in Graz, Austria's second-largest city, resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including the shooter. Additionally, 11 others sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized.

This incident is being described as one of the most severe school shootings in Austria's history, according to the country's leading newspaper.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen declared the mourning period and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast, expressing that the events in Graz have deeply affected the nation.

Key government figures, including Chancellor Christian Stocker, Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler, and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, convened in Graz to honor the victims.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared her condolences on social media, stating, "Schools represent youth, hope, and the future. It is heartbreaking when they become sites of violence and death."

The shooting occurred at BORG school in the Lend district shortly before 10 a.m. local time. Authorities identified the shooter as a 21-year-old former student of the school, who reportedly took his own life.

In response to the incident, police forces have been deployed throughout the area, including a helicopter. The school was evacuated, and local authorities confirmed that there is no ongoing threat.

A nationwide moment of silence is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time, with public events either canceled or postponed in light of the tragedy.

A resident of Graz expressed disbelief over the incident, stating, "Austria is such a lovely country. We stand together, we live together, and tragedies like this are unimaginable."