Graz Rampage: Perpetrator with Social Media Profiles

Six days after the shooting spree by a 21-year-old former student in Graz, which resulted in ten fatalities, the investigation team "Luctus" is now intensely engaged in verifying possible social media profiles of the perpetrator after processing the crime scene. It has now been confirmed that the shooter had multiple profiles on various platforms, the police informed the APA on Monday. However, some of his alleged profiles were demonstrably created only after the crime.

Indications of Social Media Profiles

Shortly after the shooting spree, investigators received several indications of various social media profiles of the perpetrator. During the press conference of the State Police Directorate of Styria on Thursday, it was emphasized that the 21-year-old had significantly withdrawn from the real world into the virtual world. It was never claimed at the press conference that he had no social media profiles, the police clarified on Monday. However, it is clear that the possible profiles on social networks and forums all need to be verified first.

The fact is that the perpetrator had multiple profiles. However, it cannot yet be precisely stated how many, as there are also indications of profiles attributed to the 21-year-old that were demonstrably created only after the crime. The investigators are also not disclosing for now whether the photos of the weapons and from the school toilet published by various media actually originate from the perpetrator.

Investigators Pointed Out Gaps

In this context, the investigators also pointed out gaps in the monitoring of potentially dangerous individuals. Authorities in other countries sometimes have and use so-called web crawlers. This allows the internet to be automatically searched with software for potentially dangerous activities. It has become impossible for humans to check all forums and social media platforms, some of which are only accessible to insiders, including all comments, for potential dangers. However, for the use of such web crawlers, the police in Austria first need authorization. This is currently not available.

"For danger research on the internet, there needs to be the legal possibility to automatically search the open internet for dangerous content and indications. This does not exist, and we are only allowed to do what is expressly permitted by law. Investigators of flesh and blood reach natural limits here. At the same time, we bear the responsibility to not only view digital profiles but also to check their authenticity and verify them specifically," explained Michael Lohnegger, head of the State Criminal Office of Styria.

Only with concrete indications - whether from the public or through web crawlers - can covert investigative work in closed forums currently be undertaken. Messenger surveillance also plays a significant role in this context, it was emphasized. The investigators stressed that glorifications and approvals of the 21-year-old's actions can also be punishable. Such statements have already been identified on various platforms during the investigations, and corresponding investigations have been initiated, it was reported to the APA. The virtual space is not a lawless space, it was emphasized.

Interviews and Evaluations

In addition to reviewing the perpetrator's social media activities, witness interviews are still being conducted and numerous tips from the public are being evaluated. As of Monday morning, 852 files had been uploaded to the upload platform, including 382 videos, said spokesperson Sabri Yorgun to APA. The upload platform is still available for uploading files from witnesses of the incident at https://upload.bmi.gv.at/. Apart from the investigations, the police continue to maintain a presence at the crime scene, the BORG Dreierschützengasse. Additionally, support is also being offered by the executive at other schools. For example, discussions are being held with the teaching staff, said Yorgun.

The President of the Styrian Education Directorate and Education Councillor Stefan Hermann (FPÖ) expressed his gratitude on Monday to the crisis intervention teams and school psychologists for their help following the rampage. The Education Directorate quickly organized assistance measures for students, teachers, and families, provided immediate support to those affected, and organized initial psychological care together with the crisis intervention team. "Other federal states have also provided psychological support staff at short notice to meet the high demand for care," it was stated in a release on Monday.

"Enormous Willingness to Help"

"The terrible incident at BORG Dreierschützengasse has shaken us all - all the more significant is the enormous commitment of all helpers across state borders. The processing of the events and the support of the students, parents, and teaching staff are essential these days," emphasized Hermann.

"In these days of mourning, it is important to also thank those who have shown great courage, strength, and determination amidst the shock. Thanks go to those emergency organizations and people who took responsibility in an exceptional situation and protected and supported the students, teachers, and staff," said ÖVP parliamentary group leader Lukas Schnitzer.

Norbert Urabl, administrator at BORG Dreierschützengasse, announced in a contribution to the Ö1 midday journal on Monday that the school is expected to reopen next week. However, not for regular classes. These are unlikely to take place until the end of the school year. Instead, students should be able to process the events in supervised projects. The school location should be preserved in any case. Renovation and redesign measures are planned to take place over the summer. "We plan to implement a memorial," said Urabl. A distribution of certificates at the end of the school year is also planned, but it should not be mandatory for the students. The wing where the rampage took place will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Memorial Events in Graz After Rampage

Two more memorial events are scheduled in Graz for Tuesday: Starting at 9:00 a.m., the state parliament will hold a memorial session, and in the evening, an interfaith memorial service with political representatives will take place in Graz Cathedral. On Thursday, Corpus Christi Day, the Graz studio music group Music Deluxe will host a four-hour live benefit concert at 6:00 p.m. in the Joanneumsviertel. The aim is to use the donations raised to set up psychological aftercare for BORG Dreierschützengasse.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.