Graz in mourning: Thousands remember the victims of the shooting spree

Graz in mourning: Thousands remember the victims of the shooting spree

On Sunday, June 15, 2025, thousands of people gathered at Graz's main square to commemorate the victims of the tragic shooting spree in Graz. Under the motto “We stick together,” the city of Graz held an emotional memorial service, which was organized by students, teachers and representatives of religious communities as well as politicians and emergency services. The main square had previously been cleared of sausage stands to create enough space for the ceremony, which began at 6 p.m.

The event, which was well received, was a sign of solidarity and compassion at a time when Styria and the Republic of Austria were in shock. In the first days after the shooting, measures were taken across the country, including the ringing of church bells and a minute's silence in the Council of Ministers to remember the victims. The grief has gripped the entire nation, as Kosmo reports.

Commemorative events and speech by the mayor

Sunday's memorial service included speeches and musical performances presented by students and parent representatives. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen recorded a video message that was shown at the beginning of the ceremony. State Secretary Alexander Pröll spoke on behalf of Chancellor Christian Stocker and expressed his condolences to the bereaved, while State Governor Mario Kunasek handed over the floor to Mayor Elke Kahr.

In her speech, Kahr said that the lost “basic trust” in security cannot be easily restored and thanked all the helpers who supported them during this difficult time. At the end of the ceremony, students from the BORG school sang the well-known songs “We are the World” and “Imagine”, which further underlined the emotional moments of the evening. Particularly impressive was the emotional speech by BORG school spokesman Ennio Pesnil, who commented on the perpetrator's actions and expressed his gratitude to the helpers, as oe24 reports.

Further funeral events are being planned

The city of Graz is already planning further official commemorative events to express mourning. A memorial session of the state parliament will take place in the Landstube on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. In addition, an interreligious service is planned in Graz Cathedral, which will also be held on June 17th at 6:30 p.m., as [5min](https://www.5min.at/5202506111834/graz-haelt-einander-gemeinsame-trauer Feiern-nach-amoktat/) reports.

The rampage that took place on June 15, 2025 at a school in Graz tragically claimed eleven lives. The perpetrator was a 21-year-old former student who had a firearms license but was not authorized to carry weapons. During the national mourning declared after the incident, black flags flew on public buildings and the national flag was flown at half-mast.

The events have sparked an outpouring of compassion and support. Among other things, the Muslim Youth Austria expressed their condolences, as did many other organizations. Psychological help is provided by the Crisis Intervention Team (KIT) to help those affected.