Rauflauf in Graz: Eleven dead and the enigmatic farewell letter of the perpetrator

Rauflauf in Graz: Eleven dead and the enigmatic farewell letter of the perpetrator

On Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025, a killing spree at a school in Graz shook the entire nation. A 21-year-old shooter, a former student of the Federal High High School (Borg) in Dreierschützengasse, opened the fire and demanded ten lives. The number of fatalities later rose to eleven after an adult woman succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. In addition, twelve other people were injured, sometimes difficult.

The perpetrator had left the school without a degree and was not known to the police. In the crime, he carried two firearms with him, which he is said to have had legally. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) confirmed that the exact facts about gun ownership are still being examined. According to the law, however, the 21-year-old was not allowed to keep a weapon.

farewell letter and speculation

After the killing run, the investigators found a farewell letter from the perpetrator who was aimed at his parents. The content of the letter did not provide any specific indications of the motif for the terrible act, but contained emotional farewell words. Media reports on bullying were not confirmed by the police and Karner, which heats the speculation about a possible reason for the killing spree.

The police and special units were in action during the incident and quickly evacuated school. Austria plans a three -day state mourning for the victims of the killing spree. The flags of official buildings are set to half mast. Chancellor Christian Stocker and other politicians expressed their dismay and condolences about this tragedy.

weapons legislation and social debate

Austria has one of the highest rates of firearms in Europe. According to the "Small Arms Survey", the country worldwide ranked 14 in relation to the spread of firearms, with around 30 weapons per 100 inhabitants. The weapons legislation in Austria is considered liberal compared to other European countries: revolvers, pistols and semi -automatic weapons can be purchased with appropriate permits, while machine guns and pump guns are prohibited.

For the purchase of handguns, applicants must be at least 21 years old. In addition, a weapon permit, a valid hunting license or membership in a shooting club is required. However, there is no mandatory psychological assessments for assessing the suitability of the weapon buyer.

The debate about weapons legislation, heated by the current events, will probably become more intensive. Austria has a tragic story of mass shootings that dates back to the 1980s. These repeated tragedies bring the need to reforms to ensure the security of the citizens and to prevent such horror in the future.