Shooting in Graz – European Parliament held a moment of silence

Brussels/Strasbourg – The plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg began on Monday evening with a minute of silence for the victims of the Graz school attack: Parliament President Roberta Metsola spoke of a “senseless act of violence that has deeply shaken Austria and all of Europe.” She emphasized that her thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire school community: “Violence and hatred have no place in our society, in our schools.”

She must begin this week’s session with “a sad announcement about the events in Austria,” Metsola said. “Last week, we learned of the terrible shooting at a school in Graz, where a former student killed ten students and teachers and seriously injured many others.” On the same day, she learned of “another brutal attack” in which a 31-year-old school assistant was stabbed in Nogent, France.

Her thoughts are with the victims and their relatives, the Maltese emphasized. “Schools must be safe places for learning and never places of fear.” The parliamentarians observed a minute of silence in the Strasbourg plenary hall in memory of the victims and their relatives.

Numerous EU leaders expressed their condolences

After the bloody attack at a school in Graz last Tuesday, numerous European leaders expressed their condolences. “The news from Graz strikes to the core,” wrote EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X. EU Foreign Affairs Representative Kaja Kallas commented on the incident on X, stating: “Every child should feel safe at school and be able to learn without fear and violence.” EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner expressed sympathy for the victims and their families. He also thanked the emergency services for their careful and decisive actions. (16.06.2025)