Graz mourns: commemoration for victims of the killing spree on the main square

Graz mourns: commemoration for victims of the killing spree on the main square

On June 14, 2025, a memorial event will be held in Graz to commemorate ten people who have lost their lives in a school in a school. This tragic act is an incident that occurred on June 10 when an ex-student shot about himself during the lesson in Dreienschützengasse and then committed suicide. Eleven other people were also injured in this incident.

The city of Graz has already announced an emotional funeral service in the main square, which is accompanied by significant political and religious representatives. The speakers include Governor Mario Kunasek (FPÖ), Mayor Elke Kahr (KPÖ), Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP). The event is musically framed by the HIB Art Choir, a school choir from Graz-Liebenau. This is not the first funeral service that takes place in Graz. Exactly ten years ago, on June 28, 2015, over 10,000 people gathered in the main square to commemorate the three victims of an amicula.

unclear background and motivational research

The exact background and motifs of the perpetrator are currently unclear. The police have already investigated to obtain further information. In addition, a press conference was announced to keep the public up to date on the state of the investigation. Reports about the injured people who were brought to different hospitals show the extent of this cruel act.

Guido Schenk, an expert in violence prevention and former police coach, emphasizes the important role of schools in the prevention of such amocates. He trains teachers in recognizing early warning signs and establishing an internal early intervention management. Schenk emphasizes that the demand for such training increases suddenly after each incident, although the schools often have limited resources for the implementation of prevention measures.

social effects and reflection

The killing spree at the Graz School not only has an immediate impact on the families concerned, but also forces society to think about prevention measures. According to Schenk, there is a worrying frequency of amocates in Germany and internationally, which underlines urgency to better train for such emergencies. Schenk sensitizes teachers for possible dangers, for example for students with narcissistic personality structures or other risky behaviors.

Graz is all about grief and hope for a safer future for all students. The memorial event should not only serve to memorize the victims, but also set a strong sign against violence in schools.