Graz in mourning: Lichtermeer on the main square to AmoFlauf-Schock

Graz in mourning: Lichtermeer on the main square to AmoFlauf-Schock

Graz, Österreich - On June 10, 2025, hundreds of people gathered to a moving sea of ​​lights on Graz's main square. The memorial event, which started after 9:00 p.m., attracted mourners from all age groups, including many young people and couples in evening clothes. Before the Archduke Johann fountain, the participants lit candles to commemorate the victims of a tragic killing spree. This event is strongly reminiscent of the sea of ​​lights in 2015, after Alen R.'s killing ride in Grazer Herrengasse, when thousands of a Facebook call followed to commemorate the victims together.

The candles were placed in flat metal tubs, which already contained hundreds of light flames. Young people passionately helped to make the lights, while some mourners gave each other and comforted them. The mood was shaped by deep sadness, and at the Graz town hall there was a black flag as a sign of mourning. Supervisors from the crisis intervention team were on site to offer support.

Details on the killing spree

The sad occasion for the sea of ​​light was a killing spree in Graz, which occurred at a school in Dreienschützengasse. A former student who previously attended Borg Dreierschützengasse had killed nine people and then committed suicide. Another victim later died in the hospital, which increases the number of fatalities to eleven. The incident is classified as the deadliest killing spree at a school in Austria and triggered dismay all over the country. Interior Minister Karner initially confirmed six female and four male fatalities, including the perpetrator who was 21 years old and legally owned the weapons.

The police commitment started after emergency calls around 10:00 a.m. and was supported by special units. A total of 300 police forces were deployed, while 220 Red Cross employees were called for the care of ungraced students and parents in the surrounding halls. A special alarm plan has been activated to ensure the safety of those involved. The killing spree is considered the worst tragedy of this kind in the history of Austria and the investigation into the motif of the perpetrator. A farewell letter was found, but does not offer any clear indications of its motives.

The grief for the murdered people has triggered a wave of sympathy in Austria. Chancellor Christian Stocker and Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen expressed their grief over the shattering events and proclaimed a three -day state mourning. Flags were put on half mast to commemorate the victims and show the bereaved that they are not alone.

The sea of ​​lights in Graz is not only a sign of commemoration, but also an appeal to society to hold together and to offer mutual support in difficult times. The tragedy shaken the city and all of Austria, and the participants of the memorial event show that solidarity and compassion are also possible in the darkest hours. The path of healing will be long and stony, but the memory of the deceased remains alive.