Mourning and cancellations: After the rampage in Graz, many events have come to a standstill

Mourning and cancellations: After the rampage in Graz, many events have come to a standstill

A shocking event shook the city of Graz today, June 10, 2025. A shooting spree at the Federal Higher Secondary School in Dreischützengasse affected not only the school family, but the whole of Austria. A total of eleven people, including ten students and employees, lost their lives in the tragedy - the 21-year-old perpetrator, a former student, committed suicide after the crime. Numerous other people, twelve in total, were injured, some seriously. The emergency services were deployed with over 300 police officers as well as 160 rescue workers and special units.

Chancellor Stocker described the act as a “national tragedy” and announced a nationwide minute of mourning. In addition, three days of national mourning were declared, which also has an impact on numerous events throughout Austria. In Vienna this means concrete changes: “meinbezirk.at” has already reported that some events in the city have to adapt their programs and a minute's silence for the victims is planned.

Cancellations and program changes

In Vienna the pride event “Stand Up!” in the Museumsquartier canceled and postponed. The summer stage in the MQ is also canceling its stage program for the coming days. The Vienna State Opera holds a minute's silence at every performance during the mourning period, which underlines its respect for the victims. This occurs in a context marked by sadness and thoughtfulness.

But the effects are not limited to the federal capital. Many events are also affected in Styria. The Usi Festival and the Grazathlon are on the brink; The opening of the traveling exhibition “Mensch, _ dich nicht” in Gleisdorf and the exhibition “GerambRose” in Weiz were also canceled. As the kleine Zeitung reports, many other events such as the “Biedermeierfest” in Bad Gleichenberg will also be evaluated or postponed at short notice.

Social reactions

The tragic events in Graz also provoke further discussions. The incident once again shows the need for discussion about gun laws in Austria, as the perpetrator owned his weapons legally. Measures for early detection and help for those affected will increasingly become the focus of the public debate. Traditional school shootings in Austria have a sad history, as documented by nadr.de, and many citizens are wondering about the next action necessary to prevent such brutality in the future.

The condolence of international leaders, including EU Commission President von der Leyen and Federal President Steinmeier of Germany, shows that the sadness and concern extends far beyond Austria's borders. The community stands together during this difficult time and lets its thoughts and hearts speak for those affected and their families.

The social responsibility is clear: comprehensive efforts are needed not only to deal with grief, but also to address bullying, mental health and the role of weapons in everyday life.