King Charles mourns: Solidarity with victims of the Graz shooting

King Charles mourns: Solidarity with victims of the Graz shooting

On June 12, 2025, King Charles and Camilla mourn the victims of a school shooting in Graz in which nine students lost their lives. The royal couple said on Instagram that they were deeply shocked and saddened by the events. They said schools should be places of protection and learning and condemned the attack on students and staff as a despicable act. King Charles plans to pray for the victims and expressed his condolences to the affected families. He emphasized that their thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and expressed his deepest condolences to all Austrians.

Several public memorial events have taken place in Graz in the last few days. On Tuesday evening there was a memorial service in Graz Cathedral, attended by several hundred people, including political leaders. Bishop Georg Bätzing from Germany expressed his condolences, while cathedral priest Ewald Pristavec opened the service with psalms and lit ten candles. Auxiliary Bishop Johannes Freitag gave a moving sermon about one of the victims.

Public sympathy and solidarity

The horrific incident took place at the hands of a 21-year-old former student who committed the act that shocked not only the school community but also the entire nation. During the service, Vicar General of Graz Erich Linhardt emphasized the need for hope and cohesion in such difficult times. The event was guarded by police and crisis intervention teams to ensure safety for the mourning community.

In addition, a second memorial service took place in the St. Vinzenz parish near the crime scene. The Islamic religious community in Austria also remembered the victims after evening prayers. Hundreds of people gathered at Graz's main square to create a sea of ​​lights in memory of those affected. German bishops also expressed their pain and sadness over this terrible event.

Minute of mourning and support for those affected

In many churches in Austria, a nationwide minute of mourning was held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. with bells ringing. A hotline has been set up to ensure that relatives and those affected can receive support. An upload platform is also available for witnesses to collect information about the crime. The diocese offers telephone counseling around the clock to support people during this difficult time.

Bishops from Slovenia also sent their condolences and condemned any form of violence. Celebrities from all over the world show their condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families.