Graz shaken: the amoking calls for eleven dead and draws dark reality

Graz shaken: the amoking calls for eleven dead and draws dark reality

Graz, Österreich - On June 11, 2025, a tragic killing spree at a school in Graz shook the public and made headlines internationally. A brutal journey of a 26-year-old Austrian citizen ended in Zweiglgasse, who used his vehicle as a weapon. The incident demanded eleven deaths and more than 30 injuries, including ten seriously injured, and one person hovers in a critical condition. According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung the incident not only traumated the sacrificial families, but also the eyewitnesses and emergency services.

The shocking events began in Zweiglgasse and led over the Augarten bridge to Schönaugasse and Jakominiplatz, where the perpetrator aimed at a garden in Herrengasse. The perpetrator was finally arrested by the police in Schmiedgasse. The Mayor of Graz Siegfried Nagl, who was present as an eyewitness, reported on a targeted procedure of the perpetrator. According to the Governor Hermann Schützenhöfer, the focus is on clarifying the crime.

political and social reactions

The reactions to the killing spree are overwhelming and affect political life in Austria. Chancellor Christian Stocker described the events as a "dark hour and national tragedy". In the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung the discussion about the background of the perpetrator and the availability of firearms is highlighted. Critics call for more sympathy and cohesion in society and warn of a militaristic discourse and upgrading.

During the press conference with Governor Schützenhöfer and the Mayor of Graz, the efforts to support the injured were emphasized by the Red Cross and a crisis intervention team. A crisis phone was set up to offer relatives and witnesses to help. The incident has shaken the public in Graz and the borders of Austria and leads to an increased discussion about social problems and social intolerance as possible factors for such acts.

mental health in focus

Scientists emphasize that mental illnesses are not the only factors for amotlets. Mental health plays a role, but the complexity of the background requires a differentiated view. Much of gunner does not show a diagnosed mental illness, which makes the discussion about the identification of potential perpetrators complicated. The company is asked to improve access to psychological support offers and reduce risk factors in order to prevent such tragedies in the future

The horrific events in Graz join a sad series of similar incidents in other countries, whereby the killing spree is considered the most devastating massacre in Austria since World War II. The Borg School, where the incident took place, had previously referred to the social problems of the students and is now closed until further notice, while the processing of events and its effects on society continues.