According to reports from Reuters, Austrian Public Broadcaster (ORF), and other media outlets, a shooting incident occurred at a middle school in Graz, the second largest city of Austria, on June 10. At least 10 people were killed and 12 others injured. The Austrian government declared three days of national mourning. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and German Chancellor Christian Kern expressed condolences.

The mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, stated that the "terrible tragedy" included the shooter, several students, and an adult suspected to be a teacher among the victims. This shooting incident was the deadliest attack in Austria since World War II.

Graz is the second largest city in Austria, BBC reports.

According to reports, the shooter opened fire in two classrooms at around 10:00 AM local time (16:00 Beijing Time). After 90 minutes, police announced that "there is no further danger" following a large-scale security operation involving special forces and police helicopters.

Police spokespersons said that students and staff at the school have been evacuated, and the school building is being thoroughly searched.

Currently, the area surrounding the school has been cordoned off, public transportation has been rerouted, and all streets around the school are guarded by armed personnel. The school will remain closed until further notice.

Austrian Red Cross spokesperson told ORF that more than 160 rescue workers, including emergency doctors and paramedics, were present at the scene. Two information points were set up at the school for students and family members to seek assistance and inquiries.

Police confirmed that the shooter had committed suicide, ORF reported.

Local media cited police sources saying that the shooter, aged 21, was a former student who had dropped out from the school. He used a pistol and a hunting rifle in the attack. Both firearms were legally owned, and one of them was used by the shooter to commit suicide in the restroom.

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Chancellor Christian Kern are heading to the incident site in Graz.

Kern said this shooting incident was a "national tragedy deeply shocking the entire nation," and an "unacceptable act of violence." The country will observe three days of national mourning. The Austrian Parliament building has also lowered its flag to half-mast as a sign of mourning.

He said: "The pain and sorrow we feel in Austria cannot be expressed in words. Today, we share your grief wholeheartedly. In these difficult times, humanity is our strongest force."

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen said: "What happened today... has struck the core of our nation. These young lives, which once held great promise, along with a teacher who accompanied them, are gone."

He said nothing could alleviate the pain felt by the parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends of the victims at this moment. He added that the entire nation should "stand united in bearing this pain together."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed condolences on June 10, stating that schools are "symbols of youth, hope, and the future," and it is "unbearable" for schools to become places of death and violence.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said she was "deeply shocked" and emphasized that "every child should feel safe in school and study without fear or violence."

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Christian Kern expressed shock over the attack. Steinmeier conveyed sincere condolences from all Germans to the Austrian president and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Chancellor Kern emphasized: "We empathize with you completely."

Reuters reported that estimates suggest there are 30 guns per 100 people in Austria, making it one of the most heavily armed civilian countries in Europe.

Associated Press reported that weapons requiring manual reloading after each shot can be purchased by individuals aged 18 and above in Austria without a license. Gun dealers only need to verify whether the buyer has violated any weapon bans and ensure the weapon has been registered.

However, rifles with full auto-fire capability or semi-automatic firearms have more restrictions, requiring holders to possess gun licenses.

Mass shootings are relatively rare in Austria. In 2020, a "jihadist" opened fire in Vienna, killing four people and injuring 22 others. In November 1997, a 36-year-old mechanic shot six people in Mauthen, then took his own life.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514337159982137883/

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