Shock in Graz: suspicious package discovered in front of school, large police police!

Shock in Graz: suspicious package discovered in front of school, large police police!

The situation in Graz remains tense a day after the devastating killing spree on the Borg in Dreierschützengasse. On June 11, 2025, a suspicious package was discovered in front of a elementary school in the morning, which resulted in an extensive commitment of the police. The area was cordoned off far, and evacuations were carried out in the affected area to ensure the safety of students and residents. Initial assessments indicate that it is probably a harmless package, but the possibility of a bomb was taken seriously and corresponding measures were initiated by the authorities.

The tragic incident the day before had already cost nine people. The 21-year-old perpetrator killed ten people, including himself, and added to numerous other people. According to the Styrian Hospital Society (Kages), all other injuries are currently stable. In the LKH University Clinic there are still six patients under treatment; Four of them are in the intensive care unit, while two could already be moved to the normal ward. One of the most critical injured people is now also in a stable state.

background of the killing spree

This incident evokes memories of the amocray in Graz, which occurred on June 20, 2015. At that time, a 26-year-old driver raced through the city with an SUV and demanded the life of three people, including a four-year-old child. A total of 36 people were injured when the driver panic over sidewalks and drove through pedestrian zones until he could be arrested at a police inspection. The investigation showed that there may have been religious motives behind the crime, especially since Alen R. was friends with an IS preacher. Ultimately, he was sentenced to life in 2016 and died in 2023 under unexplained circumstances in his cell.

Another aspect that is related to violent acts in schools and in educational institutions is the psychological constitution of the perpetrators. Studies show that psychosocial problems often play a role in choosing goals and the aggressive implementation of such crimes. In the past, personality disorders and other psychiatric problems have been diagnosed with some perpetrators. Educational and psychology experts point out how important the early identification and support of affected students is in order to avoid similar incidents in the future

The current events in Graz and the memories of previous acts of violence leave a feeling of uncertainty at school, parents and students. The authorities are faced with the challenge of ensuring security and at the same time restoring a feeling of normalcy in the educational institutions. In the middle of this critical situation, the hope for stability in the health system and effective prevention measures to reduce such tragedies remains.