Pipe Bomb and Farewell Video Discovered After Graz Rampage

The state police department confirmed corresponding media reports upon APA inquiry early Wednesday. The bomb was found in the apartment of the alleged perpetrator, who committed suicide on Tuesday.

21-Year-Old Sent Farewell Video to Mother

In addition to the pipe bomb, a farewell video that the alleged perpetrator had sent to his mother was discovered, the police confirmed on Wednesday. An analog farewell letter was also found. Early Wednesday afternoon, the state police department reported that apparently discarded plans for a bomb attack were also found in the apartment.

The shotgun and pistol used were legally owned by the 21-year-old. "However, he should not have been allowed to carry them under any circumstances," said police spokesman Sabri Yorgun to the APA. The weapons used in the crime are now being forensically examined.

Copycats Used Shooting Spree as Occasion for Threats

As the Director General for Public Security, Franz Ruf, said in an interview with the Ö1-Morning Journal on Wednesday morning, several copycats have since used the case as an occasion for further threats. "Several copycats," as Ruf explained, have been identified. The state police department of Styria did not want to speak of "copycats" upon APA inquiry, as there had been no further shooting spree, "but there are suspects who are now seizing on the fact that a shooting spree has taken place," Yorgun told the APA.

Specifically, on Tuesday, among other things, an (as in previous weeks, unfinished) bomb threat was received against the Graz main train station, and on Wednesday, a threatening letter against another Graz school. "Of course, we have taken precautionary measures," said Yorgun. The corresponding investigations against such copycats are naturally being conducted in parallel. The education directorate stated that there would be increased police presence at all Graz school locations until further notice. The federal police directorate intensified contact with educational institutions and ordered increased patrolling of the facilities.

Red Cross supports in grief work

The crisis intervention staff of the Red Cross were also further challenged on Wednesday. "In the coming days, around ten colleagues will be at the mourning sites daily and will be available to accompany the affected parents, teachers, and students," said spokesperson Stefan Loseries. Additionally, follow-up discussions are still ongoing, according to the Red Cross. On Tuesday alone, around 200 parents and relatives, as well as 300 students, were cared for.

School psychologists also challenged

The school psychological service of the Styrian education directorate, together with the KIT, is supporting the approximately 300 uninjured students, their parents, and the educational staff of BORG Dreierschützengasse. "We are being supported by school psychologists from all over Austria, allowing us to rely on a team of 30 trained individuals," said its head, Josef Zollneritsch, in a conversation with the APA.

In any case, they will be on site at the nearby Helmut-List-Halle until Friday, and whether school operations can resume next Monday is "still under discussion." In addition to on-site support, school psychologists can and will also be requested by other Graz schools: "There is great concern. And there is especially great concern from the parents about repeat incidents. It is important here that those affected can talk about their feelings and fears to prevent lasting trauma," said Zollneritsch. Individual and group discussions are being offered in the schools.

(APA/Red)

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