Graz (Austria) – A tragedy deeply shook Austria on Tuesday morning when a 21-year-old former student opened fire at a high school in Graz, located on Dreierschützengasse, killing nine people — six women and three men — before taking his own life. Among the victims were students and at least one adult. Twelve others were injured, some of them seriously.
The news sparked a wave of grief and disbelief across the country, prompting Chancellor Christian Stocker to declare three days of national mourning. Flags on public buildings were lowered to half-mast, and at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, a minute of silence will be observed across Austria, followed by the tolling of funeral bells in churches nationwide.
An Inexplicable Act
According to police at a press conference, the young perpetrator acted alone and is believed to have used two firearms. The motive for the act remains unknown. Authorities have urged the public not to share sensitive content on social media, in order to protect the victims and avoid compromising the investigation.
A Nation in Mourning
The country has come together to honor the victims and support their families, with numerous commemorative and prayer initiatives taking place. In many Austrian dioceses, church bells will ring at 10 a.m. as a sign of solidarity. In Vienna, the “Half Pummerin,” the mourning bell of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, was rung. Bells also tolled in Graz and in parishes throughout Vorarlberg, Burgenland (especially at St. Martin’s Cathedral in Eisenstadt), and other regions, accompanying the national minute of silence. “We carry together what we cannot bear alone,” said Bishop Benno Elbs of Feldkirch, inviting everyone to join in a network of prayer and solidarity.
The Church Speaks
Numerous representatives of the Catholic Church expressed their sorrow and closeness to those affected. The Bishop of Graz-Seckau, Monsignor Wilhelm Krautwaschl, took part in a special ORF broadcast and emphasized the importance of acknowledging pain without immediately seeking explanations:
“An unimaginable event has occurred, and it must be called for what it is. It is a cry within the reality of God.” Krautwaschl also praised the dedication of the rescuers, volunteers, and those who responded to the call for blood donations. On Tuesday evening, a first moment of prayer was held in Graz Cathedral, attended by many faithful.
Archbishop Franz Lackner, president of the Austrian Bishops' Conference and former auxiliary bishop of Graz, was also deeply moved: “Helplessness and pain come in waves; words fail, but silence must not prevail. My prayers go out to all the affected families and to those who have lost a loved one.”
W.L.
Silere non possum