Funeral service in Graz: Memory of the victims of the killing spree

Funeral service in Graz: Memory of the victims of the killing spree

On Thursday evening, June 12, 2025, a funeral service took place in the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, which commemorates the killing spree at a Graz Gymnasium, in which a total of ten people lost their lives. The service formed the end of the three -day mourning mourning, which had been proclaimed by the Federal Government after the shocking news of the killing spree became known on Tuesday. Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) had announced the state mourning and put all flags on public buildings.

Over 1000 people took part in the moving memorial service, in the framework of which Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen lit the first candle to the victims and their relatives. A candle was also placed on the floor for the gunner, which underlined the complexity of grief. This gesture led to mixed reactions in society, since the wounds of the killing spree, such as the administrator of the Archdiocese of Vienna, Josef Grünwidl, emphasized, will remain even after the end of the state mourning.

funeral services and social sympathy

In addition to the central service in St. St. Cathedral, several other memorial events took place in Graz. Two services were in Graz-St on Tuesday evening. Vinzenz and in the Graz cathedral. The Catholic Church invited all believers to participate, and numerous children and adolescents also took part in the trade fair in St. Vinzenz and laid out flowers. Not only members of the victims, but also numerous top political representatives, took part in the services, including Chancellor Stocker, Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) and Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) and representatives from various religious communities to show their solidarity.

politics explained solidarity with the bereaved. Education Minister Christoph Return (NEOS) emphasized that schools had to be safe places and announced that the high school concerned remains closed until further notice. Support systems have been established, including a hotline for relatives and affected people and pastoral accompaniment in all parishes.

The situation after the killing spree

The alleged perpetrator, a 21-year-old former student, had used two weapons on the day of the incident and acted alone. The exact motifs of his actions have so far been unknown. The police reported nine fatalities, including six women and three men, while the tenth dead is the perpetrator himself. In addition, twelve people were seriously injured. The Graz Gymnasium, where the tragedy took place, is now becoming the meeting point for pupils and teachers who are affected by the unimaginable violence.

Although the wounds are deep in society, all social activities will remain canceled in the coming days of respect and sympathy. Hundreds of people gathered in the evening hours of June 12 to a sea of ​​lights on the main square in Graz to commemorate the victims. The Islamic Faith Community in Austria also held a memorial event in its mosques, which illustrated the community character of grief and solidarity.