« I run, save my life » – moving relationships around the shooting in Graz
She kept her phone and shouted to her mother that she was running away, that she had to save his life. Her voice trembled, just like her mother’s hands, who listened to in powerless panic. – I can’t describe what I felt then – says the woman in an interview with the portal 5min.at. This is how one of the biggest tragedies in the latest history of Austria began, a high school massacre in Graz.
The attack that occurred on Tuesday, on June 10, cost the lives of at least 10 people. Among the victims are students and a teacher. The perpetrator turned out to be a 21-year-old school student who after all committed suicide.
The children called their parents: « I don’t know if I will survive »
The girl who survived the attack called her mother at the time of escaping from school. She shouted that she was running, that he was afraid, that he did not know if she would survive. I got into the car and immediately went to school – reports a woman cited by the service 5min.at. Her daughter survived. Others were not so lucky.
However, the mother did not return home. She was waiting for her niece in front of the school building, who was still inside. She couldn’t take her – only parents had permission to pick up. « I won’t leave until it is safe, » she told journalists.
Cry, panic and ignorance
There were despair scenes in front of the school. The families of the students came from all over the city, many did not know what was happening to their children. – My younger sister was injured. Someone saw the rescuers took her to the ambulance, but I don’t know where. I don’t know if she is alive-an 18-year-old girl cried in an interview with reporters.
The father of one of the students, quoted by Puls24.at, said that his son survived only because he lay down on the floor and pretended to be dead. – He saw his colleagues dying. He was afraid to breathe. He thought it was the end – he reported.
At least 10 people were killed. The perpetrator was a former student
According to the Austrian police, the alleged perpetrator-21-year-old-had legally registered two weapons: Glock pistol and a rifle. He invaded the school building and began to shoot. He killed nine people and then took his own life. His body was found in the toilet.
The media reports that the perpetrator left a farewell letter. He was to consider himself a victim of persecution. Among the fatalities are students and a teacher, and the number of wounded is significant. According to the Austrian media, including the ORF station, at least 12 people were injured – including two in very heavy and five seriously injured. The others suffered lighter injuries, but the balance of victims may increase.
National mourning. Condolences from around the world
The Austrian government has announced a three -day national mourning. They took the floor, among others President Andrzej Duda, President of Ukraine Wołodymyr Zelnski and Speaker of the Senate Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska.
– « I have deeply sadly accepted about this tragedy. I express regrets for the families of the victims, » wrote President Duda. Zelanski emphasized that schools should never be places of violence. – « Ukraine shares this moment of mourning with Austria, » he added.
Silence and prayer
In the evening of June 10, a funeral service took place in the cathedral in Graz. In silence, with candles in their hands, students, teachers and residents said goodbye to the victims. Among them – children who came to study and not die. Chancellor of Austria Christian Stocker also took part in the service.
On the same day, volunteers reported to donate blood for wounded victims of the shooting in the entire region. Queues formed at some medical points. The Austrians showed that in the face of drama they can be together.
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Borut Zivulovic / Reuters
Families of students in shock at the school in Graz. Some were still waiting for news about their loved ones.
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Alex Halada / AFP
Students evacuated from school by the police. In the background, ambulance and service vehicles.
