Police launched a significant operation at a school in Graz, Austria, after gunfire was reported around 10:00 AM local time. A specialized tactical unit known as Cobra, which is trained for handling hostage situations and attacks, was quickly deployed to the scene.
Authorities acted swiftly to evacuate all students and teachers from the building. They later confirmed that the school had been secured and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Fanny Gasser, a journalist with Kronen Zeitung, shared that the atmosphere in Graz was tense. Many people were seen crying in the streets, talking with friends who were at the school during the shooting. She noted that in a city like Graz, which is the second-largest in Austria but still relatively small, "everybody knows somebody" at the school.
Gasser also pointed out that the school might not have been prepared for such a violent incident. She emphasized that Austria is generally considered a safe place, unlike some other countries where school shootings are more common.
Local mayor Elke Kahr described the event as a "terrible tragedy." European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas expressed her shock, stating that every child should feel safe at school and have the right to learn without fear.
The incident has left the community shaken, as they come to terms with the reality of violence in a place that is usually seen as secure.