GRAZ, Austria — A search of the home of a gunman who fatally shot 10 people at his former school has revealed a farewell letter and a non-functional pipe bomb, police announced Wednesday. The incident, which has shaken the nation, is being characterized as the deadliest attack in Austria since World War II. As the country prepares to observe a moment of silence for the victims, investigations continue into the shooter’s motives.
The 21-year-old attacker, identified as a former student of BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in Graz, reportedly had not completed his education there. Authorities indicated that he legally possessed both a shotgun and a handgun, which were used in the assault. The specifics surrounding how he acquired the firearms remain under investigation.
A senior official from Austria’s Interior Ministry confirmed the discovery of the farewell note, stating it included both analog and digital formats. While it expressed goodbyes to the man’s parents, officials noted that it did not provide insight into his motivations for the tragic act. Franz Ruf, public security director, emphasized that the letter’s contents would require further investigation.
Ruf addressed questions regarding whether the shooter’s actions were random or meticulously planned, stating that officials are still piecing together the circumstances of the attack. The assault unfolded across multiple levels of the school and left victims in various locations, including outside the building.
In the aftermath, the community of Graz is grappling with the shock of the violence and loss. Vigils have emerged as a testament to the lives cut short and the families forever altered. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their inquiries into the events leading up to the attack.
The gravity of this incident has prompted a nationwide reflection on mental health, security in educational institutions, and gun control laws. Discussions are brewing regarding how to prevent such tragedies in the future, as citizens seek clarity and solace in a moment of profound grief.
In the face of such violence, residents are left to question the safety of their schools and the stability of their society, hopeful that lessons will be learned and measures taken to protect against future tragedies. The impact of this event will resonate far beyond Graz, as Austria faces difficult conversations on safety and community.