Graz in mourning: ORF adapts program after the killing spree - memorials planned

Graz in mourning: ORF adapts program after the killing spree - memorials planned

On Tuesday, June 13, 2025, a tragic killing spree at a school in Graz occurred, which triggered great sympathy and grief throughout Austria. In response to the shocking events, the Federal Government ordered a three -day state mourning. ORF program director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz emphasized the responsibility of the ORF as a public law company to respond appropriately to the tragedy. As a result, there were far -reaching adjustments in the program design of the ORF.

One of the most significant changes concerns the live broadcast of the "Vienna Pride", which takes place on June 14th. Instead of in the linear ORF-1 program, the event is provided as a stream on ORF ON. However, ORF 1 will radiate a 45-minute summary of the parade at 11:30 p.m., which also includes memorial activities for the victims of the killing spree.

commemoration and adjustments to the events

The Pride Village is designed this year as a place of coexistence and solidarity, with a mourning banner and a sea of ​​lights for the victims of the killing spree. Fanny Stapf and Idan Hanin will moderate the transmission, while Oliver Polzer contributes the comments. In addition, ORF plans content adjustments for the "Midsummer Night Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic" on June 13, which is broadcast on live time at 9:20 p.m. A minute's silence is inserted for the victims, and the concert continuation is added by an “air” by Johann Sebastian Bach.

The entertainment show "When the Musi plays - Summer Open Air" on June 14th at 8:15 p.m. will also be adjusted. The organizers emphasize the connecting power of music in times of grief and want to take into account the tragedy.

rainbow parade in Vienna

The rainbow parade in Vienna on Saturday is also marked by memory of the victims of the killing spree in Graz. Organizers have emphasized that the event is different this year. It will start with a silence, and the participants are asked to walk behind the parliament without music and cheers. Merry banner from the Pride Village are worn at the head of the train and laid down there.

The parade with the motto "Unite in Pride" begins at 12:00 p.m. on Rathausplatz and will then lead through well -known Viennese landmarks such as the parliament and the State Opera. The Pride Celebration at Rathausplatz at 6:00 p.m. includes speeches and appearances by artists such as Conchita Wurst, JJ and Melanie C. It is pointed out that the parade has a deeper meaning this year, as it stands for joy and resistance.

The organizers also draw attention to the political origins of the Pride event and underline unfulfilled demands from the community, such as a ban on discrimination and conversion therapies. Due to a terrorist threat two years ago, extensive security measures are planned. Nevertheless, there is currently no specific threat, and the police will be on site with numerous emergency services.

support in times of mourning

In such difficult times, the loss of a loved one is a difficult to manage life phase. Help in the death offers support for legal and emotional questions. Every mourning situation requires individual coping. The support offered includes the organization of the burial as well as information on legal framework conditions and about dealing with grief. Other topics are the regulation of financial obligations and the planning of the funeral service.

Especially in such sensitive times, support from specialized services is of great importance. The focus is on the tragedies in Graz and the subsequent memorial events, while the communities both mourn and promote cohesion.