The death toll has risen to nine after a school shooting in the Austrian city of Graz, according to reports.
Seven students and one adult were among those killed, Mayor Elke Kahr confirmed to local media. She added that the shooter was also dead.
Austrian police confirmed that a major operation was underway in the city on Tuesday morning at the secondary school campus on Dreierschuetzengasse. The operation began at 10am after gunshots were heard inside the school, police said.
Local newspaper Kronen Zeitung reported that at least eight people have been killed. Initially, the news outlet reported five people were dead.
One witness reported to Kronen Zeitung that they heard 20 gunshots.
The interior ministry confirmed to state media ORF that several people were confirmed dead.
Several people have also reportedly been seriously injured, including students and teachers, ORF reports.
The building is currently being searched by authorities and the public have been warned to avoid the area.
Vienna’s mayor ‘deeply shocked’ by shooting
Viennaâs mayor, Michael Ludwig, said he was âdeeply shockedâ to learn of the shooting.
âMy deepest condolences go to the victims, their families, and all those who are now experiencing immeasurable suffering,â He said in a translated post on X.
âIt is precisely in such moments that we as a society must stand together. Hate and violence must never gain the upper hand. Our response to this must be an even stronger commitment to unity and respect.â
Dozens injured, many critical according to reports
Twenty-eight people have been rushed to hospital following the shooting, and several are in a critical condition following the shooting.
Kronen Zeitung reports that some of the victims have suffered gunshot wounds to the head.
According to that newspaper, there were 158 paramedics on site and 31 crisis intervention staff.
Police say only one perpetrator involved
Styrian state police said they believed only one perpetrator was involved in the shooting.
âCurrently, it is assumed that there is one perpetrator. Situation secured – no danger,â the police said on X.
The Styrian police said students and their parents were being supported by the crisis intervention team.
Seven students, one adult among the dead
Seven students and one adult are among the dead following this morningâs school shooting.
Graz mayor Elke Kahr confirmed those details with the Austria Press Agency.
The mayor confirmed to Kronen Zeitung that the shooter was among the dead.
Death toll rises to nine following Graz school shooting
Local media reports the death toll has now risen to nine following the school shooting in Graz.
Kronen Zeitung said the local hospital has also been overwhelmed with the injured.
In pictures: Emergency response to school shooting
Ambulances and police have responded to the mass shooting in Austria.
Reports the shooter opened fire on two classrooms
Local newspaper Kronen Zeitung reports the shooter opened fire on two classrooms in the secondary school in Graz, on Dreiershutzengasse.
More than 10 people are injured, the newspaper reported, and police are undertaking a thorough search of the school building.
The perpetrator was reportedly found dead, the newspaper said.
Mapped: Where the school shooting occurred
Police say the situation is under control
Styria state police say the situation is now âunder controlâ after the school shooting incident, and no further danger is expected.
Police operation is ongoing
The police operation at the school remains ongoing, and a police helicopter is being used, the state police force said.
They have set up a meeting point for parents of students at the Asko stadium.
