Bomb Attack Plans Discovered in Graz School Shooter's Home

A tragic school shooting in Graz, Austria, resulted in ten fatalities, prompting police to investigate the shooter’s background and intentions.

Police in Graz made alarming discoveries at the residence of a 21-year-old former student linked to a devastating school shooting that claimed ten lives. The search revealed plans outlining a potential bomb attack, along with a non-functional pipe bomb, a "farewell" letter, and a video recorded by the suspect.

The tragic shooting occurred at Dreierschützengasse secondary school on Tuesday, marking a grim chapter in Austria's recent history as the deadliest school attack to date. The shooter, who subsequently took his own life in a school bathroom, had previously attended the school and left 11 others injured in the incident.

Victims included six females and three males, with a seventh female succumbing to her injuries later in a hospital. Among those killed were a teacher and nine students aged 14 to 17; one victim was identified as a Polish citizen while the others were Austrian nationals.

In the wake of the violence, three days of mourning were declared across Austria, accompanied by a nationwide minute of silence held on Wednesday at 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT) to honor the victims. Public buildings displayed flags at half-mast, reflecting the nation's profound grief.

In a poignant moment during the silence observed in Graz’s main square, a local woman named Tores expressed her sorrow, having known one of the deceased boys. "I've known this family for a long time, including the son of the family... I rang immediately, to ask if everything is OK. Then they let me know at midday, that the boy was one of those slaughtered," she recounted.

Further investigations revealed that the shooter, who lived with his single mother in Graz, was legally in possession of the guns used in the attack—a pistol and a shotgun—and held a valid firearms license. Reports indicate he was not previously known to law enforcement, thus raising concerns about the background checks in place.

In response to the tragedy, additional security measures have been implemented around schools in Graz as authorities continue to piece together the motivations behind this heartbreaking incident.