Suspect Shared Photo from School Before Tragic Shooting in Graz

A tragic incident unfolded at a school in Graz on Tuesday, where a gunman took the lives of ten individuals before committing suicide. Reports from local media indicate that shortly before the attack, the 21-year-old suspect posted a photo taken within the school on a social media platform. This post, along with previous ones, suggests that the shooter may have drawn inspiration from the infamous Columbine High School shooting in Colorado, USA, which occurred in 1999.

The photo depicted the floor of a school restroom, along with the shoes of the assailant. Authorities are currently investigating the legitimacy of the image, which has been confirmed by police sources as authentic. However, the Graz police department has yet to officially verify the photo's source, stating that they are looking into the matter following reports received.

As of now, officials have not disclosed any details regarding the motive behind the attack. Investigations remain ongoing, and at a press conference held on Wednesday, authorities emphasized that they were still gathering information. It is known that the perpetrator had a keen interest in first-person shooter video games and maintained social connections through online platforms. Investigators have not found any significant connections between the shooter and the victims, aside from a personal acquaintance with one teacher who was among the deceased.

The assailant had previously attended the BORG Dreierschützengasse school, where he repeated the sixth grade before ultimately dropping out three years ago. In light of the tragedy, the city of Graz has initiated a donation fund to support the victims' families. Mayor Elke Kahr has stated that the funds will be managed transparently and will go directly to those affected by the event, with close coordination with the parents' association.

Additionally, a crowdfunding campaign titled 'Graz Shooting - Support for the Families of the Deceased' has been established on the platform GoFundMe. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance for funeral costs and facilitate the repatriation of the deceased children to their hometowns, ensuring a dignified farewell.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event, discussions surrounding potential reforms in gun legislation and mental health evaluations are gaining traction. The tragic loss of life has spurred public discourse on the responsibilities of various stakeholders, including media and policymakers, in preventing such occurrences in the future.