Austria is reeling from a tragic mass shooting that left 10 people dead at a high school in Graz on Tuesday morning, marking an unprecedented act of violence in the Alpine nation unaccustomed to such tragedies.

Candles are placed outside a secondary school following a deadly shooting, in Graz, Austria, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic

The gunman, a 21-year-old man who had previously attended the school, opened fire shortly after 10 a.m. local time. Police and emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes. According to authorities, the shooter took his own life in a school restroom following the attack.

According to Reuters, the motive for the rampage remains unclear. While police have not disclosed the suspect’s identity, local media outlet Kronen Zeitung reported that investigators found a farewell letter at his home. Unconfirmed reports also suggest the gunman may have experienced bullying during his time at the school and had not graduated.

Emergency personnel stand infront of the site of a deadly shooting at a secondary school, in Graz, Austria, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic

“This horror cannot be put into words,” said Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, reflecting the shock and grief shared across the country. The government has declared three days of national mourning, and all political parties have canceled upcoming events out of respect for the victims and their families.

People light candles in the main square following a deadly school shooting in Graz, Austria, June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

Throughout the day, local residents gathered outside the school to lay flowers and light candles in memory of those who lost their lives.

People light candles following a deadly school shooting, in Graz, Austria, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic

Among the heart-wrenching accounts was that of a mother whose son was inside the school during the shooting. Speaking to state broadcaster ORF, she recounted the terrifying moment when her son called her from the school grounds.

People gather in the main square following a deadly school shooting in Graz, Austria, June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

“It’s impossible to grasp,” she said. “I was just happy that he was on the phone and that I could hear him. But now I keep thinking about how others are doing.”

Many in Graz responded with acts of solidarity. Long queues formed outside a local blood donation center, as residents sought ways to help survivors. “Today is a hard day for all of us in Graz. I’m here to donate my blood to help other people who need it,” 25-year-old Stephanie Koenig told Reuters.

People donate blood at the JUFA Hotel, following a deadly school shooting, in Graz, Austria, Graz, Austria, June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

This shooting, the deadliest school attack in Austrian history, has sent shockwaves across the country, where mass shootings are extremely rare. As the investigation continues, Austria grapples with profound grief, unanswered questions, and the painful task of supporting a community shattered by unimaginable violence.