Bloody killing spree in Graz: 11 dead and demands for arms laws!

Bloody killing spree in Graz: 11 dead and demands for arms laws!

On Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025, a killing spree shook the Federal Oberstfenrealgymnasium (Borg) in Graz, Austria, and left a trail of devastation. The 21-year-old perpetrator, Artur A., ​​a former student of the institution, opened the fire at around 10 a.m. and shot a total of eleven people: eight students, a teacher and another woman. Six of the victims were women, three were young men. In addition, 28 other people, including students and teachers, were seriously injured. As OE24 , the emergency call was discontinued under the keyword "shots and screams", which for a rapid use of the police and special units led.

The dramatic events lasted a total of 17 minutes. During this time, 300 police officers moved with several cobra units and even helicopters to evacuate the building and restore security. Onlookers were urgently asked not to share pictures or videos on social networks in order to protect the people concerned and not to hinder the emergency services. Tagesschau reported by a special alarm plan that was activated to care for the injured, and that the police successfully cleared the school so that students were able to leave the building.

The motif and the weapon question

Artur A. probably had acted for revenge for bullying in the past. The perpetrator was in possession of the weapons used- a long and a short weapon- which he had legally acquired. According to t-Online he was exhibited after a psychological test, which questions about the appropriateness of the decay conditions throws up. There are also reports on a possible farewell letter, but which was not discussed in detail.

When the police had regained control of the situation, Artur A. was found lifeless on the school toilet; He had taken his own life. The incident speaks a clear language in the ongoing debate about weapons laws in Austria. The Mayor of Graz Elke Kahr (KPÖ) expressed sharp criticism of the practice of awarding guns too quickly. A special meeting of the city government is to discuss which consequences must be drawn from this tragedy. Kahr called for a weapons ban for private individuals and emphasized that security in schools must also have a high priority.

The way to healing

faced with the horror scenario of Graz, the community remains concerned about the students, teachers and their families concerned. Kahr announced a joint action by the youth organizations and the Graz youth advisory board for Wednesday evening in order to show solidarity and convey security. The focus is also on the emotional support of the survivors and the survivors while the city management is working on the events.

This bloody episode will go into the city's history books and not only heat the conversations about prevention and security in schools, but also the discussions about the weapon ownership laws in Austria. It is to be hoped that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.