Graz, Austria – A devastating school shooting has claimed the lives of eight people in Austria’s second-largest city, Graz, on Tuesday morning. Among the dead are seven students and one adult, according to the Austria Press Agency.

The suspected shooter, believed to have acted alone, also died at the scene, officials confirmed. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.

The incident occurred at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school around 10 a.m. local time (6 p.m. AEST), prompting a rapid response from special police forces and emergency services. By 11:30 a.m., police announced on social media platform X that the school had been evacuated and the situation was under control, with no ongoing threat.

Graz Mayor Elke Kahr described the shooting as a “terrible tragedy.” Numerous injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Emergency services, including a police helicopter, secured the area as investigations began. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner is reportedly en route to Graz.

In Brussels, European Union spokesperson Paula Pinho expressed condolences: “We offer our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the entire city of Graz. We stand in mourning as we seek clarity after this horrible school tragedy.”

Graz, located in southeastern Austria, is home to approximately 300,000 residents. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.