European and Austrian flags at half-mast in front of the European Parliament building in Brussels
Based on the latest reports, after 11 people were killed in a shooting at a middle school in Graz on Tuesday, three days of national mourning have been declared in Austria. During this period, Austrian flags will be flown at half-mast on public buildings. A minute’s silence will be held across Austria on Wednesday at 10 a.m. to commemorate the victims. Hungarian politicians have expressed their condolences on social media.
Shots were heard coming from the school at around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Kronen Zeitung reported. It is believed that the perpetrator opened fire in two classrooms and, according to an eyewitness report, fired at least 20 shots. Based on the latest reports in the Austrian press, eleven people were killed in the rampage. Shortly after the shooting, it was also announced that the number of seriously injured was “in the double digits.”
The newspaper outlined that the shooting took place shortly before the tenth anniversary of the rampage in Graz on June 20, 2015, in which three people were killed, the tragedy is still remembered today.
Gerald Ortner, police chief of the state of Styria, stated at a press conference that the perpetrator was a 21-year-old Austrian citizen who used two legally purchased firearms. He did not have any previous police records.
Chancellor Christian Stocker has declared three days of mourning following the tragedy.
The solidarity of the entire country is called upon to offer some comfort to the relatives of the victims of this terrible act in these dark hours,”
Mr Stocker emphasized.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed his condolences to the Austrian Chancellor on Tuesday, writing that he was deeply shocked by the terrible tragedy at the school in Graz that claimed the lives of several innocent people.
I would like to express my deepest condolences to Chancellor Christian Stocker and the people of Austria following the tragic school shooting in Graz. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims!”,
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wrote on his social media page.
On behalf of the Hungarian Parliament, László Kövér expressed his sincere sympathy to the relatives and friends of the victims and to the Austrian people.
I wish the injured a speedy and full physical and mental recovery. Our prayers are with you”,
the speaker of the National Assembly added.
Via MTI, Kronen Zeitung; Featured photo: The European Parliament
