School shooting leaves Austria's second city in shock and grief

Four dead, including shooter, as 18 injured taken to hospital

A gunman opened fire at a school in the northeastern city of Graz on Tuesday morning, killing four people and leaving several others injured. The shooter, who died by suicide, was later identified as a 16-year-old male student at the school.

The attack, which took place in the city's Stadtschule suburb, prompted a large police response, with officers later evacuating students from the school. Officials said the suspect fled the scene after the shooting and was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities stated that they were working to determine the motive behind the violent incident, which has left the city in shock. Prime Minister Benjamin Schraml called for national unity in the face of such tragedies, and condolences poured in from President Alexander Van der Bellen.

Authorities, neighbors in shock

Neighbors spoke of their shock and horror at the incident, with many recounting how their children could have easily been victims of the shooting.

Authorities stated that the suspect had been treated for mental health issues, although further details on his exact condition and treatment history were not disclosed.

Political ramifications

The shooting occurred just as Austria gears up for parliamentary elections in September. While political parties have largely steered clear of discussing potential links to the shooting, many have pushed for tougher gun control laws and increased mental health funding.

As the nation comes to terms with the brutal shooting, many wonder what the long-term ramifications will be for gun control legislation and mental health support services.