Graz School Shooting: A Community in Mourning

Austria is in a state of grief after a tragic school shooting in Graz. The city is trying to make sense of the violence that took place at Dreierschützengasse high school. A 21-year-old former student opened fire, killing 10 people and injuring about a dozen others. The shooter used a shotgun and pistol, both legally owned. This has sparked a conversation about gun control in the country. The shooter left behind a non-functional homemade bomb and a farewell letter at his home. The letter was addressed to his parents, but it did not provide any clues about his motive. Investigators are still trying to understand why this happened. They are also looking into whether the victims were targeted or chosen at random. The city of Graz is in mourning. A minute of silence was observed, and three days of national mourning have been declared. People have gathered to light candles and lay flowers in the city's main square. Many have also lined up to donate blood for the survivors. Austria has strict gun laws, but this incident has reignited the debate. The country has nearly 30 civilian firearms per 100 people. Automatic weapons and pump-action guns are banned, but revolvers, pistols, and semi-automatic weapons are allowed with a permit. Rifles and shotguns are permitted with a firearms license, a valid hunting license, or for members of shooting clubs. This raises questions about whether these laws are enough to prevent such tragedies. The shooting has left the community in shock. It is one of Austria's deadliest attacks since World War II. The city is trying to heal, but the wounds are fresh. The investigation is ongoing, and the country is waiting for answers. Until then, Graz stands united in grief and solidarity.