Authorities in Austria are urgently trying to uncover the motive behind a tragic mass shooting carried out by a 21-year-old man at his former high school, one of the deadliest acts of violence in the country's recent history. The suspect killed 10 people before taking his own life. According to police, the shooter acted alone and was armed with both a shotgun and a pistol. Investigators are currently examining his home and digital footprint for clues as to why he targeted the school in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city. He reportedly ended his rampage by fatally shooting himself in a bathroom.

Paul Nitsche, a religious studies teacher at the school, said he narrowly avoided confronting the attacker. "I saw him trying to shoot through a door," he told broadcaster ORF. "It felt surreal, like something out of a nightmare." While some local media suggest the shooter may have felt bullied, police have not confirmed any motive. Authorities noted that he had not completed his education at the school. A farewell note was found, but it didn’t explain his actions. A pipe bomb discovered at his residence was determined to be non-functional.

Franz Ruf, Austria's director general for public security, said investigations are moving rapidly but urged against speculation. He revealed it took roughly 17 minutes from the first emergency call for police to secure the scene. Austria, despite having strict gun laws, has a high rate of civilian firearm ownership, according to the Small Arms Survey. The attack has renewed discussions on tightening gun regulations, with Graz’s mayor among those calling for reform. The weapons used were legally owned by the suspect, prompting officials to reexamine potential loopholes in current legislation.

Further details indicate that victims were located both inside and outside the school across multiple floors. Around a dozen others were injured, with some in critical condition. In response to the tragedy, Austria has declared three days of national mourning. The event has united politicians across party lines and deeply shaken the local community. Hundreds gathered in Graz’s central square to honor the victims, while many placed flowers and lit candles at the school. Blood donation drives also saw long queues as citizens tried to support the survivors.