After the rampage in Graz: Investigators are checking the perpetrator's social media profiles

After the rampage in Graz: Investigators are checking the perpetrator's social media profiles

On June 16, 2025, six days after the rampage of a 21-year-old former student in Graz, which resulted in ten deaths, the “Luctus” investigative group is intensively involved in verifying possible social media profiles of the perpetrator. Reports from crown and The press confirm that the perpetrator had multiple profiles on different platforms, some of which were even created after the crime. This raises questions about his virtual identity and the extent to which he has withdrawn from the real world.

Police clarified that it was never claimed that the perpetrator did not have social media profiles. Rather, it turns out that verifying profiles is crucial in order to distinguish between real and imitation content. In addition, it remains unclear whether published photos of weapons and school toilets actually come from the perpetrator, which further complicates the investigation.

Investigation challenges

A key problem facing investigators is the lack of legal authority for domestic authorities to use web crawlers to research threats on the Internet. This often leads to investigators reaching their natural limits when it comes to identifying dangerous content. The investigations have so far led to a high number of uploaded files: a total of 852 files, including 382 videos, were published on an upload platform.

The police continue to interview witnesses and evaluate information from the public. In addition, police presence at the scene will be increased to ensure safety at other schools. As part of the reaction to the tragedy, two commemorative events are planned for Tuesday: a memorial session in the Styrian state parliament and an interreligious memorial service in Graz Cathedral. A benefit concert on Thursday will also support psychological aftercare for those affected at BORG Dreierschützengasse.

Media staging and acts of imitation

Dealing with reporting on such violent events is of great importance. As in an article from Federal Agency for Civic Education As explained above, intensive media reporting and emotionally charged representations can lead to acts of imitation being encouraged. Such acts of violence are often the result of subjectively stressful grievances and do not arise impulsively, but from deep levels of motivation that are anchored in society.

Media responsibility is crucial. Sensational reporting could inspire potential imitators. It is therefore recommended not to describe the events of the crime in too specific terms and to be careful not to give simplistic explanations for the perpetrator's motivations. Instead, the focus should be on the consequences of the actions in order to show appropriate offers of help and ways out.

In summary, it can be seen that both the investigation of the rampage and the media coverage of such a tragedy represent a demanding challenge. The balance between information and sensationalism must be carefully maintained in order to do justice to both society and those affected.