King Charles reacts to heartbreaking school shooting in Austria
King Charles and Queen Camilla are 'deeply saddened' over Dreierschútzengasse school shooting
King Charles has broken his silence following Austria’s worst school shooting in recent history.
The 71-year-old monarch issued a statement Thursday morning expressing his and Queen Camilla’s deep sorrow, two days after the tragedy at Dreierschützengasse secondary school in Graz which killed 11 people.
“My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the appallingly tragic events at the Dreierschútzengasse school in Graz,” the King said. “Schools should be places of sanctuary and learning, which makes this horrific attack on students and staff all the more dreadful.”
The statement continued, “Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families of all those affected by this terrible loss of life and injury,” he continued. “We send our deepest sympathy to all Austrians at this profoundly distressing time.”
According to local authorities, the shooter was a 21-year-old former student who legally owned both weapons used in the attack. He opened fire on staff and pupils before taking his own life.
Among the dead were one teacher and nine students aged 14 to 17. Two more victims died in hospital, while 10 others sustained injuries.
Police say the gunman had no prior criminal record, and investigators are still working to determine a motive. In the wake of the tragedy, Austria's president has called for a review of the country’s gun laws.
Security has been tightened at schools across Graz as investigations continue.
