Graz Rampage: Perpetrator with Social Media Profiles

Six days after the rampage of a 21-year-old former student in Graz, which resulted in ten deaths, the investigation group "Luctus" is now intensely engaged in verifying possible social media profiles of the perpetrator following the crime scene work. 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 rampage, 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of the State Police Directorate of Styria on Thursday, it was emphasized that the 21-year-old had significantly withdrawn from the real world into the virtual world.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 did not have social media profiles, the police clarified on Monday. However, it is also clear that the possible profiles in 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. These can automatically search the internet with software for possible 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 in place.

"For the exploration of dangers on the internet, there needs to be a legal possibility to automatically search the open internet for dangerous content and clues. This does not exist, and we are only allowed to do what is explicitly permitted by law. Investigators made of flesh and blood encounter natural limits here. At the same time, we bear the responsibility not only to 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 clues - whether from the public or through web crawlers - can undercover 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. During the investigations, such statements have already been found on various platforms, 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 checking 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 have been uploaded to the upload platform, including 382 videos, said spokesperson Sabri Yorgun to the 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 to other schools by the executive. For example, discussions are also being held with the teaching staff, said Yorgun.

Memorial Events in Graz After Rampage

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

(APA/Red)

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