Graz in mourning: thousands of commemoration of the victims of the killing spree

Graz in mourning: thousands of commemoration of the victims of the killing spree

on Sunday, June 15, 2025, thousands of people gathered on Graz's main square to commemorate the victims of the tragic killing spree in Graz. Under the motto "We keep together", the city of Graz held an emotional funeral service, which was helped to help shape by students, teachers and representatives of the religious communities as well as politics and the emergency services. The main square had previously been cleared by sausage stands to make enough space for the ceremony that started at 6 p.m.

The event that was very well received was a sign of solidarity and compassion at a time when Styria and the Republic of Austria were shocked. In the first days after the killing run, measures were taken nationwide, including the ringing of the church bells and a minute's silence in the Council of Ministers to commemorate the victims. Mourning has covered the entire nation, as also reported [Kosmo] (https://www.kosmo.at/nation-in-trauer-van-bellen-faehr-nach-graz-fuer- Sicherheitrat/).

memorial events and speech by the mayor

The funeral service on Sunday included speeches and musical performances presented by students and parent representatives. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen had 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 addressed his sympathy to the bereaved, while governor Mario Kunasek handed over the word to Mayor Elke Kahr.

In her speech, Kahr expressed that the lost “basic confidence” in safety cannot be easily restored, and thanked all helpers who supported in 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 also underlined the emotional moments of the evening. The soulful speech by the Borg school spokesman Ennio Pesnil, who commented on the actions of the amo-mistake, was particularly impressive, as OE24.

further grief events in planning

The city of Graz is already planning further official memorial events to express grief. On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, a commemoration of the state parliament will take place in the country parliament. In addition, an interreligious service is planned in the Graz Cathedral, which will also be held on June 17th at 6.30 p.m., as 5min.

The killing spree, which took place at a school of Graz on June 15, 2025, tragically demanded eleven fatalities. The perpetrator was a 21-year-old former student who was owned by a gun ownership card but had no authorization to keep weapons. While the state mourning, which was proclaimed after the incident, black flags blew on public buildings, and the national flags were put on half mast.

The events have triggered a wave of compassion and support. Among other things, Muslim Youth Austria expressed its condolences, as did many other organizations. Psychological help is provided by the crisis intervention team (KIT) to help those affected.