In the wake of a devastating school shooting in Graz, Austria, authorities have uncovered a non-functional pipe bomb during a search of the 21-year-old attacker's residence. The Steiermark State Police Directorate confirmed the discovery, which adds a chilling layer to the already tragic event. The attacker, who took his own life after the shooting, left behind a trail of devastation that claimed ten lives and injured several others, ranging in age from 15 to 26 years old.
Further investigations revealed plans for an attack and a farewell video addressed to the shooter's mother, alongside an analog farewell letter. The weapons used in the attack, a shotgun and a pistol, were legally owned by the attacker, though he was not permitted to carry them. The police have yet to confirm reports of the shooter having been bullied in the past, leaving many questions about his motivations unanswered.
The educational authorities have offered flexibility to students affected by the shooting, allowing them to choose between taking replacement exams before summer or waiting until autumn. Meanwhile, the injured victims are reported to be in stable condition, with some requiring follow-up surgeries for facial and knee injuries.
In a concerning development, the incident has inspired copycat threats, with several individuals making threats in the aftermath of the attack. The police are taking these threats seriously, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in preventing further tragedies. The community of Graz, and indeed the whole of Austria, remains in shock as they grapple with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence.