Enigmatic killing spree in Graz: Ten dead and many questions remain open!

Enigmatic killing spree in Graz: Ten dead and many questions remain open!

in Graz, Austria, there was a tragic killing spree today, in which a total of ten people died. Shots fell around 10:00 a.m. at the Federal Oberstepenrealgymnasium Dreierschützengasse. There are eight students and two teachers among the victims. The perpetrator, a 21-year-old Austrian named Arthur A., ​​is the 11th fatality and has committed suicide. Six female and three male victims were immediately dead, another woman later succumbed to their injuries in the University Hospital Graz.

The police were alerted shortly after the first emergency calls over screams and shots. Rescue workers and police officers were on site within minutes. A total of 160 rescue workers and 300 police forces were on duty to control the situation. After 17 minutes the situation was under control and the evacuation of the building was completed. 12 people were seriously injured; Among them were seven victims shot, with two of the injuries in a "very critical condition".

Details about the perpetrator and the crime

The gunner, Arthur A., ​​was an ex-student of the school and legalized the weapons used. He had used both a pistol and a shotgun. In order to receive a gun ownership card, he went through an extensive process that included training and a psychological test. According to the current reports, the perpetrator was not known to the police, which rejected the discussion about the weapons laws in Austria.

The authorities have found a farewell letter from the perpetrator, which, however, does not contain any evidence of a possible motif. There are assumptions that bullying could have played a role in the perpetrator's school days, but so far this has not been officially confirmed. The investigation into the exact drainage of ties and the motives of the perpetrator continues to run.

public reactions and grief

The tragedy has triggered a wave of sympathy. In the city, funeral services and a sea of ​​lights were held, while the government has proclaimed a three -day state mourning. The flags of public buildings blow on half mast. Political events and party days in Styria were canceled to commemorate the victims.

Chancellor Christian Stockder and other politicians have spoken out of their condolences and called for cohesion. The national football team also competed in the World Cup qualification game with funeral floral and held a minute of funeral before the kick-off.

With regard to the weapons law in Austria, this incident leads to intensive debates about the allocation of gun ownership cards and the safety precautions. The incident is referred to by experts as a "super-gau", since gunner previously used long weapons or illegal weapons. According to the Interior Ministry, around 1.1 million firearms are registered in Austria.

Investigations are underway to clarify the exact circumstances of the killing spree. The authorities ask the public not to post videos on social networks to protect the privacy of those affected. Crisis intervention teams are on site to support parents and students.

The events of Graz raise deep questions that concern not only the perpetrator profiles, but also to deal with weapons in society. There are already demands for stricter controls and measures to improve security in schools.