At least nine dead in the school shooting in Austria

At least nine people were killed in school firing in the Austrian city of Graz, said the country’s Interior Ministry.

The incident took place at Dreierschützengasse Secondary School in the northwestern part of the city.

Police said the gunman was among the dead, and the Austrian agency APA reported that seven of the killed were students.

Another 28 people are being treated because of their injuries to a hospital, according to local media reports.

The attack “strikes our country right in its heart,” said Austrian Chancellor Christian Stoker.

“These were young people who have been ahead of them all their lives.”

Police said they started surgery at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST) after the rifles were heard by the school.

Specialized tactical unit COBRA – which processes attacks and situations with hostages – is located at the school, police said.

Authorities evacuated all students and teachers from the building. Police have confirmed that the school has been insured and there is no more danger to the public members.

Local mayor Elke Carr called the incident “a terrible tragedy”.

European Commission Vice President Kaya Kalas said she was “deeply shocked” by the news. “Every child should feel safe at school and be able to learn freely for fear and violence,” she published at X.