Poland sends condolences after fatal shooting in Austrian school

Poland's president, foreign ministry, interior minister and Senate speaker have expressed their condolences to the relatives of the victims of the mass shooting at a school in the southeastern Austrian city of Graz.

On Tuesday morning, a former student killed nine people and injured 30 in the shooting spree at a secondary school in Graz before taking his own life, according to local media.

Later on Tuesday evening Austria's APA news agency reported that a tenth victim had died in hospital of her wounds.

Following the news of the brutal attack, President Andrzej Duda sent a message of condolences to his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen.

"It is with deep sadness that I received the shocking news of the tragic event that took place at a secondary school in Graz. On behalf of the Polish Nation and myself, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragedy," he wrote.

"We share the pain with them and all citizens of Austria, uniting in prayer with the relatives of the dead and injured," Duda added.

Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak also sent a message of condolences to his Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner.

Earlier that day, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on the X platform: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting in Austria that took place today at a school in Graz." 

"We extend our sincerest condolences to the relatives of the victims and wish the injured a quick recovery," the message further read.

The speaker of the Polish Senate, Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, posted a message of condolences on X.

"An unimaginable tragedy in an Austrian school. Once again, defenceless children and teachers are the victims of hatred. I condemn this barbaric act with all my strength," she wrote.

"My thoughts go to the families and loved ones of the victims. Stop the hatred," Kidawa-Blonska added. (PAP)
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