A horrifying tragedy unfolded in Austria on June 10, 2025, when a 21-year-old former student named Artur A stormed into BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in Graz and opened fire, killing 10 people and injuring several others. Armed with a legally acquired Glock pistol and a shotgun, Artur A carried out the deadliest school shooting in Austrian history before turning the weapon on himself. The event has sent shockwaves through the nation and the wider global community, with leaders calling for unity and urgent policy reform.
This was not a random act. It was a meticulously planned attack that took just under 20 minutes but left a permanent scar on Austria’s heart. With his weapons obtained legally and a goodbye message left behind, the shooting raises unsettling questions about gun control, mental health, and how such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
Overview of the Graz School Massacre
What Happened at BORG Dreierschützengasse
Located in the heart of Graz, BORG Dreierschützengasse is a secondary school with a reputation for academic excellence and a vibrant student community. But on the morning of June 10, that sense of safety was shattered forever. At approximately 09:55 a.m., Artur A walked into the school, armed and ready to execute a plan that had evidently been months, if not years, in the making.
Witnesses say the gunman headed straight to two specific classrooms where he previously studied. He fired indiscriminately, first using a shotgun before switching to a Glock pistol. Chaos erupted as students screamed, barricaded themselves in classrooms, and teachers tried desperately to protect the children under their care.
Authorities arrived on the scene within minutes, but the massacre was already underway. When police reached Artur A, it was too late—he had fatally shot himself in a school lavatory. The aftermath revealed a bloodbath that claimed the lives of nine students and one teacher. Many more were injured, some critically, and were rushed to local hospitals.
Number of Victims and Injured
Ten individuals lost their lives: nine students aged between 14 and 17, and one 59-year-old female teacher who tried to shield her pupils. Eleven others were hospitalized, including several in critical condition, leading to fears that the death toll could climb.
The victims came from different backgrounds, including multiple nationalities, underlining the multicultural makeup of Graz’s student population. The first publicly identified victim was 15-year-old Lea Bajrami, a Kosovan girl whose family is now grieving a loss that no words can console.
Austrian authorities have declared the incident a national emergency. In the wake of this senseless act, schools across the country have increased their security protocols, while parents, teachers, and students are still grappling with the devastating reality of what occurred.
The Shooter: Who Was Artur A?
Background and School History
Artur A was no stranger to BORG Dreierschützengasse—he had once walked its halls as a student. Described by former classmates as “quiet” and “socially distant,” Artur reportedly dropped out after repeated struggles with attendance and performance. He had no known criminal record and kept a relatively low profile online and offline.
Investigators are now combing through his academic records, personal relationships, and digital footprint to understand the motive behind the attack. One recurring theme is that Artur might have been a victim of prolonged bullying, something that several classmates have started speaking about post-tragedy. However, officials have not yet confirmed bullying as a concrete motive.
Social Behavior and Psychological State
Those who knew Artur describe him as an introvert with few friends. He was known to walk alone during breaks and was reportedly fascinated with firearms. Neighbors recall him as quiet and polite, but “strange” at times, noting that he seemed disconnected from the world around him.
The extent of his psychological state is still under review. Austrian investigators are working with mental health professionals to evaluate whether undiagnosed mental illness may have played a role. Complicating matters further is the discovery of a disturbing farewell video sent to his mother minutes before the attack.
Weapons Used in the Attack
Artur A carried two firearms during the massacre: a Glock pistol and a pump-action shotgun. According to police, both weapons were legally purchased, with the Glock obtained just days before the incident. Forensic teams have confirmed that he used both during the shooting, switching between them as he moved through the classrooms.
Authorities also found a non-functional pipe bomb and plans for a larger-scale bombing at his home. These findings suggest the attack could have been even deadlier, reinforcing concerns that Artur A was deeply committed to executing a mass casualty event.
