Closing summary
… and that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today.
Here’s your summary of the day:
Nine people have been killed in a school shooting in Graz by a 21-year-old former student, who then killed himself, it was confirmed (15:32).
The suspected shooter was an Austrian citizen who lived in Graz, and likely owned weapons legally, with no previous criminal record (15:36). He attended the school in the past, but did not graduate.
12 further people are injured, “some seriously,” Austria’s interior minister Gerhard Karner said (15:32), confirming earlier reports from emergency services (14:16).
Austria will hold a nationwide minute of silence on Wednesday, 10am, and observe three days of national mourning, the country’s chancellor Christian Stocker said, who called the attack “a national tragedy” (15:24).
I will be back tomorrow morning with more updates from Graz, and live coverage of the vote of confidence in Donald Tusk’s government in Poland, and all other stories from across Europe.
But for now, that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today.
If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at jakub.krupa@theguardian.com.
I am also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa.
Scene of attack in Graz - in pictures
Sturm Graz encourage fans to make blood donations
The Austrian football champions, SK Sturm Graz, have asked their fans to come to the club’s Messendorf training ground on Wednesday to donate blood and help with the emergency response after today’s shooting.
On its website, the club said the blood donation centre, run by the Styrian Red Cross, will be open between 3pm and 8pm.
As a thank you, all fans will have a chance to have their picture taken with the Austrian championship trophy.
Updated
A vigil will be held at the Graz Cathedral this evening, starting 7pm local time, Austrian media reported.
There will be also additional services for the victims and their families at other churches.
The school where the shooting took place will remain closed until further notice, Austrian education minister Christoph Wiederkehr confirmed.
The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has also offered her condolences to Austria and the victims of the Graz attack.
Speaking in German to media in Brussels, she said the news had hit her hard and that she grieved with Austria.
“The deaths of innocent children is the worst thing that a family or community can go through. And all my thoughts are with the families, who have lost loved ones, with those who have been injured, their friends and families. Schools are symbols of hope for the future and our young people and it’s incredibly difficult to understand how this can happen when we see violence and death in schools.”
Updated
It was notable that politicians speaking at this press conference were visibly moved by what happened.
The Austrian media say it is the worst shooting in the country’s history.
10 dead after school shooting in Graz, with 12 injured - what we know so far
Nine people have been killed in a school shooting in Graz by a 21-year-old former student, who then killed himself, it was confirmed (15:32).
The suspected shooter was an Austrian citizen who lived in Graz, and likely owned weapons legally, with no previous criminal record (15:36). He attended the school in the past, but did not graduate.
12 further people are injured, “some seriously,” Austria’s interior minister Gerhard Karner said (15:32), confirming earlier reports from emergency services (14:16).
Austria will hold a nationwide minute of silence on Wednesday, 10am, and observe three days of national mourning, the country’s chancellor Christian Stocker said, who called the attack “a national tragedy” (15:24).
Updated
Suspect with no previous criminal record - police
Asked for more details in the Q&A, the police officers say the suspected shooter had no previous criminal record.
He shot himself after the incident and died on scene, they confirm.
Suspected shooter a former student, did not graduate from school - minister
Interior minister Karner gets asked about the background of the perpetrator, and he confirms he was a former student at the school who did not graduate from it.
“Everything else, and many things have been speculated about at this point in time, is simply speculation,” he says, adding it’s all now part of an active investigation.
Chancellor Stocker was earlier asked about the details of the national mourning period, and he says “no one in the republic is in a mood to celebrate anything.”
Suspect was 21-year-old Austrian, likely to possess weapons legally - police
Updating on the state of the investigation, a police spokesperson said the suspect was a 21-year-old Austrian national, who used two weapons that he likely possessed legally.
No information can be given on the likely motive at this stage.
Around 300 police officers responded to the initial alert, with counter-terrorist officers also deployed to the scene.
Updated
Six female, three male victims, 12 injured; suspect dead - interior minister
Interior minister Gerhard Karner has just said there were six female and three male victims of the shooting, with twelve injured, “some seriously,” confirming earlier reports.
He also confirmed there was only one shooter, who is also dead.
Updated
State governor Mario Kunasek followed Stocker in paying tribute to all affected, confirming plans to cancel all public events planned for the next three days.
Austrian interior minister Gerhard Karner is next to speak.
Three days of national mourning, 10am minute of silence tomorrow to mark 'dark day in history of our country', chancellor Stocker says
Austrian chancellor Christian Stocker said today marked “a dark day in the history of our country,” calling the school shooting in Graz “a national tragedy that deeply shocked us all.”
He expressed his sympathies to all affected, saying it left him “speechless” that a school, meant to be a safe space for all, was “shaken by such an act of violence.”
He confirmed plans to hold a national minute of silence at 10am on Wednesday, followed by three days of national mourning.
Updated
Austrian government press conference starting now
The Austrian government’s press conference is starting now.
I will bring you the key updates here, but you can also follow it below.
The Austrian police posted a social media update saying the press conference is now expected to begin at 3.15pm local time (2.15pm BST).
A minute of silence will be held before Austria’s UEFA World Cup qualifier game versus San Marino tonight, with the players also expected to wear black armbands as a sign of respect.
This comes amid media reports that a three-day period of national mourning will be soon announced to mark the tragic events in Graz.
A government press conference is expected shortly, so we may hear more about it then.
Condolences from European leaders pour in after Graz attack
Multiple European leaders have offered their condolences and expressions of solidarity with the Austrian people in the last hour, including prime ministers and presidents of Austria’s neighbours and other EU countries.
European Council president António Costa said:
Horrified by the news of the school shooting in Graz. A senseless act of violence in a place where children should feel safe and protected. My thoughts in this difficult moment are with the families and friends of the victims.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz said:
Horrific news from Graz. Our thoughts are with our Austrian friends and neighbors and we mourn with them.
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán said:
I would like to express my deepest condolences to Chancellor @_CStocker and the people of Austria following the tragic school shooting in Graz. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims!
Czech prime minister Petr Fiala said:
I was deeply shaken by the tragic news of the attack at the school in Graz. It is incredibly painful when something like this happens— especially in a place that is meant to symbolize safety. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. My heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones.
Irish prime minister Micheál Martin said:
Shocked and appalled by the shooting in Graz today. Such a horrific act of violence at a school is unconscionable. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, the entire school community and the people of Austria.
Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said:
I am deeply shocked by the news of the shooting at the school in Graz. Schools should be beacons of learning and hope, where every child feels safe. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and those affected. I extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Austria.
Romanian president Nicușor Dan said:
My condolences President @vanderbellen after the shocking attack on a school in Graz, with so many students dead and wounded. My thoughts are with all the victims, their families and the people of Austria in these tragic moments.
Updated
At least 12 hospitalised, with two in 'very critical' condition and five with 'serious injuries' - emergency services
At least 12 people have been hospitalised following the attack, according to a brief medical report released by the Styrian Hospital Association representing local hospitals.
It said that two adults and five teenages are treated at the Graz university hospital, with two in “very critical condition” and five with “serious injuries,” all of them undergoing emergency surgeries.
Updated
Austria’s national broadcaster ORF has reported that flags outside Federal Chancellery office in Vienna are being lowered to half-mast to pay tribute to the victims of the attack.
Updated
Graz mayor Elke Kahr appeared on Austria’s national broadcaster ORF a few moments ago.
She said it was a “terrible tragedy,” and urged the city’s residents to show solidarity and support the students affected by the attack. “This is the most important thing: not leaving anyone alone,” she said.
She said more information about the incident will be released at the press conference later today, 3pm local time (2pm BST).
10 dead, including perpetrator - police confirms
The police have just confirmed ten dead, including the perpetrator, and “several more seriously injured”.
Updated
We are expecting a government press conference around 3pm local time (2pm BST).
Updated
Emergency services on site in Graz, Austria – in pictures
Austrian Red Cross helping on site in Graz
A spokesperson for the Austrian Red Cross just told the public broadcaster ORF that there are over 160 people on duty at the scene, including emergency doctors, paramedics, and response vehicles, with 30 people yet to come from the surrounding area.
Two information centres have been set up to look after students from the school and the relatives of those affected by the attack.
Die Presse newspaper noted that the attack is likely to be the worst shooting in Austria’s history.
'Austria mourns,' president Van der Bellen responds to Graz attack
Austrian president Alexander Van der Bellen also put out a statement, saying “this horror cannot be put into words.”
“What happened today in a school in Graz strikes our country at the heart.”
He added:
“These were young people who had their whole lives ahead of them. A teacher who accompanied them on their journey. There is nothing that can ease the pain felt by the parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends of the murdered people at this moment.
Austria mourns.”
He said that the country “stood together to withstand this pain, together” and would “show that our strength lies in this togetherness.”
At least 10 dead in school shooting in Graz, Austria - what we know so far
Ten people, including the perpetrator, were reported dead after a shooting inside a secondary school in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city.
Several others are injured, with local media reporting up to 30 people in need of medical assistance, some in serious condition.
Austrian chancellor Christian Stocker said there were “no words for the pain and grief that all of us in Austria are feeling right now,” as he spoke of a “national tragedy.” He is expected at the site of the attack later today.
The police confirmed the site has been secured with no further danger to the public, confirming the suspect was dead.
Multiple European leaders expressed their solidarity with and condolences for the Austrian people.
Updated
'National tragedy that has shaken our country,' Austrian chancellor says
Austrian chancellor Christian Stocker has just posted a brief statement responding to the attack in Graz.
He said the shooting at the school in Graz was a “national tragedy that has deeply shaken our entire country,” calling it an “incomprehensible act” of violence.
“There are no words for the pain and grief that all of us in Austria are feeling right now,” he said.
He expressed his condolences with the families of those affected, and thanked emergency services for their reaction.
“Today it’s all about compassion. And about being there for one another. In these difficult times, humanity is our strongest force,” he said.
Other European leaders are now joining in sending their condolences to the people of Austria.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said her thoughts where with the victims, their families and friends, stressing:
Schools are symbols of youth, hope, and the future. It’s hard to bear when schools become places of death and violence. My thanks go to the emergency services and helpers during these difficult times.
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed her solidarity with Austria.
Ten dead, including perpetrator - Graz mayor
The death toll has risen to ten, including the perpetrator, according to the latest update from Graz mayor Elke Kahr for the Austria Press Agency, APA.
EU foreign policy chief 'deeply shocked' by Graz attack
EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also commented on the attack,
Here is what she said:
Deeply shocked by the news of the school shooting in Austria. Every child should feel safe at school and be able to learn free from fear and violence. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the Austrian people in this dark moment.
'Incomprehensible, unbearable' news from Graz - Austrian foreign minister
Foreign minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger is the first senior Austrian government figure to publicly respond to the attack.
In a post on X, she says the news “shocked her deeply,” calling it “incomprehensible and unbearable.”
“My sympathy and grief go out to the victims and their families. No one can imagine the suffering; as a mother of three children, it breaks my heart,” she added.
Austrian chancellor Stocker on his way to Graz
Austrian chancellor Christian Stocker is also on his way to Graz, with a press conference planned for this afternoon, the Kronen Zeitung newspaper reported.
Police responds to attack on school in Graz, Austria - in pictures
Updated
Austrian public broadcaster ORF has just carried a brief interview with a police spokesperson on site in Graz, who confirmed “several fatalities and injuries” but without any specific figures.
He added that the site has been secured and there is no further danger to the public.
Updated
We will hear from the Austrian interior minister, Gerhard Karner, at some point today, Die Presse reports.
It’s heartbreaking to hear Austrian TV reporters, clearly in shock, saying: “This is very unusual in Austria, we usually report on them somewhere in the US or somewhere else.”
Updated
Nine dead in school attack - Graz mayor
Graz mayor Elke Kahr has just told the Austria Press Agency APA that there are nine dead, including seven students, one adult. It is understood that the ninth dead is the perpetrator.
Updated
'Several dead' in Graz attack - police
In a very brief social media update, the police has just confirmed “several dead” in the attack in Graz.
Earlier, it said that as part of the police response, a specialist Cobra unit and police helicopter were also deployed to the scene.
'No further danger' - police
The Graz police has just confirmed that it secured the site of the incident and there is no further danger.
First pictures from scene of reported attack
The Austrian national broadcaster ORF’s reporter on site says “practically nothing has been confirmed about the course of incident” beyond the gunshots, as we await further updates from the authorities.
ORF is also quoting a police spokesperson as saying that the perpetrator has likely shot himself, but adding that “the situation was still very unclear”.
Updated
At least eight dead, more injured in Austria – media reports
Unconfirmed reports in the Austrian media say at least eight people were killed in the attack, with the number of injured believed to be in “double digits,” as reported by Kronen Zeitung.
The newspaper, quoting local sources and people at the scene, says witnesses heard about 20 gunshots inside the school.
Caveat: all these numbers are yet to be confirmed by an official source.
Austria’s interior minister Gerhard Karner is reportedly on his way to Graz.
Updated
Several dead in Austrian attack in Graz - officials
The Austrian interior ministry has confirmed that several people have been killed in the attack on the school in Graz in the south of the country, without specifing the exact number, AP reported.
Updated
Austria’s Kronen Zeitung noted that the incident took place close to the tenth anniversary of the 2015 Graz attack “which many Graz residents still remember today” in which three people died, and 36 were injured.
There is currently no suggestion the two attacks were linked.
Updated
In a post on X, the Austrian police has confirmed an ongoing operation after reports of gunshots heard inside the building.
Updated
Five dead after attack on Austrian school - media reports
Multiple Austrian media are reporting up to five dead in the attack, quoting local sources, with more injured.
We have not been able to independently verify these reports, but will look out for further updates – particularly from official sources – to bring them to you as soon as we can.
Updated
'Multiple injured' in attack at school in Austria
We are getting reports about a serious incident at a school in the Austrian city of Graz, with the country’s national broadcaster ORF reporting multiple injured and potential deaths after an attack with gunshots reported from inside the building.
We are looking into this and will bring you updates as soon as we can.
Updated
Italian citizenship referendum fails over low turnout
A referendum on easing citizenship rules and strengthening labour laws in Italy has failed due to low voter turnout, in a win for prime minister Giorgia Meloni, whose government urged people to boycott it, Reuters reported.
Over 50 percent of voters had to participate to validate the two-day referendum but by close of polls on Monday just over 30 percent of those eligible had done so, after a number of political leaders suggested that people should skip the vote.
The referendum proposal, triggered by a grassroots campaign and backed by the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), would have reduced the time it takes to get citizenship.
A non-EU adult resident without marriage or blood ties to Italy must currently live in the country for 10 years before they can apply – a process which can then take years more. A referendum win would have cut this to five years, putting Italy in line with Germany and France.
The outcome confirmed earlier fears from activists behind the Yes campaign.
Elly Schlein, the PD’s secretary, still sought to put a positive spin on the vote, however, saying that the number of people who cast their votes was still higher than the number of people who backed Meloni to be the prime minister at the last election.
“Today the right is rejoicing, well, go ahead. We’ll talk about it again at the elections, where abstentionism won’t save them,” she told La Repubblica.
European parliament in 'constant contact' with Israeli authorities over French MEP involved on board Madleen
The president of the European parliament has been in “constant contact” with Israeli authorities over the MEP Rima Hassan, who was detained after naval forces intercepted an aid ship bound for Gaza.
Hassan, a French MEP of Palestinian origin, who belongs to the radical left France Unbowed party, was on board the Madleen, which was carrying a symbolic amount of food and aid for Gaza, when it was intercepted by Israeli forces.
The European parliament president Roberta Metsola was in “constant contact” with Israeli and political group leaders “to ensure the safety and security” of Hassan and all those accompanying her, a statement from the institution said.
French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Tuesday that the French consul had been able to see six French nationals arrested by Israeli authorities last night. “One of them has agreed to leave voluntarily and should return today. The other five will be subject to forced deportation proceedings,” he wrote on X without identifying the citizens.
Leaders of three European parliamentary groups, including Hassan’s Left colleagues, the Greens and the Socialists published an open letter on Monday calling for the release of the nine people on board the Madleen.
“While we recognise that humanitarian aid must be delivered through secure and coordinated channels, the desperation behind this civil initiative shows the failure of the international community, including of the European Union, to ensure safe, sustained and sufficient access to life-saving aid for over two million people trapped in Gaza.”
Let’s take a quick look at other news in Europe.
Explosions heard throughout night in Kyiv
The buzzing of drones followed by explosions could be heard throughout the night in Kyiv, where residents had been told by the local authorities to take shelter in bunkers.
The city smelled of smoke on Tuesday with charred residential buildings and the remains of cars on the streets offering evidence of the impact of the strikes, which are believed to have targeted the city’s energy infrastructure.
Due to the poor air quality caused by the smoke billowing from the locations of the strikes, residents were advised on Tuesday morning to keep their windows closed and to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
Timur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s military district, said on Telegram:
“A difficult night for all of us. Throughout the night, the enemy relentlessly terrorised Kyiv with attack drones. They targeted civilian infrastructure and peaceful residents of the city.”
Morning opening: Russian attacks 'drown out' peace efforts, Zelenskyy warns
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that “Russian missile … strikes drown out the efforts of the United States and others around the world to force Russia into peace,” after another difficult night of constant attacks.
Russia fired 315 drones and seven missiles at Ukraine, making it one of the biggest aerial attacks of the war, killing two and wounding 13.
Zelenskyy said it was “vital that the response to this and other similar Russian attacks is not silence from the world, but concrete action.”
“Action from America, which has the power to force Russia into peace.
Action from Europe, which has no alternative but to be strong.
Action from others around the world who called for diplomacy and an end to the war – and whom Russia has ignored.
There must be strong pressure for the sake of peace.”
I will bring you all updates from Ukraine and across Europe here.
It’s Tuesday, 10 June 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
