In a heartbreaking tragedy that has shaken Austria, a 21-year-old former student opened fire at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in Graz, killing 10 people and injuring 12 others before taking his own life. The incident, which occurred on June 10, 2025, is now considered one of the deadliest school shootings in Austria’s modern history.
Farewell Video Sent to Mother
Investigators discovered a chilling farewell video sent by the gunman to his mother moments before the attack. According to Austrian news outlet Heute, the mother received the message but opened it 24 minutes later, by which time the shooter had already stormed two classrooms. Despite her immediate efforts to alert the police, the tragedy could not be prevented. The video, along with a farewell letter found at the suspect’s home, provided no clear motive for the attack, leaving authorities to continue their investigation.
“No motive can be inferred from the farewell letter, and that is a matter for further investigations,” said Franz Ruf, Director General for Public Security.
Victims and Community Response
Among the victims was a 15-year-old Kosovan girl named Lea, the first to be publicly identified. The attack claimed the lives of nine students aged 15 to 17 and one adult, with six females and three males among the deceased. Twelve others were injured, some critically.
The city of Graz has been plunged into mourning, with thousands gathering for vigils to honor the victims. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared three days of national mourning, describing the event as a “national tragedy.” A minute of silence was observed across the country, and public transport in Graz paused to commemorate the lives lost.
Details of the Attack
The shooter, a 21-year-old Austrian who had not completed his studies at BORG Dreierschützengasse, entered the school armed with a legally owned pistol and shotgun. Reports suggest he may have felt bullied during his time at the school, though this has not been confirmed as the motive. A non-functional pipe bomb was also found at his home, raising further questions about his intentions.
Chilling video footage captured the sound of gunshots and screams as the gunman targeted students and staff. Some students called their parents during the attack, with one mother recounting her son’s desperate call: “He’s in school and being shot at, and he thinks he’s going to die.”
Ongoing Investigation and National Reflection
Police have confirmed the shooter acted alone and had no prior criminal record. Authorities are investigating whether the victims were targeted specifically or attacked randomly. The discovery of the farewell video and letter has added complexity to the case, as they offer little insight into the gunman’s motives.
The tragedy has sparked a national conversation about gun laws, school safety, and mental health in Austria, a country unaccustomed to such violence. European leaders, including Germany’s Friedrich Merz and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, have expressed solidarity with Austria.
