Nine people have been confirmed dead following a shooting at the Dreierschützengasse High School in Graz, south-east Austria, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. local time (09:00 BST) and has been described by Mayor Elke Kahr as a “terrible tragedy.” The victims reportedly include seven students, one adult, and the suspected gunman.
Austrian news agency APA reports that the gunman, believed to have been a student at the school, is among the deceased. Police say he likely took his own life.
In a news conference held in Graz, police confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries but did not provide an official casualty count. However, local media have reported at least nine deaths.
The school has since been secured, and authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat. Austria’s elite Cobra tactical unit was deployed to the scene alongside standard emergency response teams.
A disaster alert has been issued for local hospitals, and injured students are receiving treatment at a nearby concert and exhibition hall repurposed for emergency care.
In response to the attack, Chancellor Christian Stocker has cancelled all scheduled appointments for the day. The Minister of the Interior is reportedly on his way to Graz to assess the situation.
RN
