Thousands gathered in silent grief Tuesday night, filling the main square of Graz with flickering candlelight to honor the ten victims of Austria’s deadliest school shooting in recent history. The emotional vigil came just hours after the country was left reeling from the horrific attack that also injured 12 others.

Authorities confirmed Wednesday that the assailant, a 21-year-old former student of Dreierschützengasse secondary school, died by suicide in a school bathroom following the massacre. A search of his residence uncovered a farewell letter and a deactivated pipe bomb, though investigators have not yet confirmed a motive.

Among the dead were six females and three males killed at the scene, with a seventh female victim succumbing to her injuries in hospital. Seven of the ten victims were students at the school, according to police.

The crowd at Tuesday’s vigil, largely made up of young people, slowly approached the Johann fountain in the historic old town, placing candles in a powerful act of remembrance. The beloved landmark became a glowing memorial to lives lost too soon.

“When something like this happens, you feel it deeply — you might even know someone who was there,” said Felix Platzer, one of the attendees. “Standing together like this helps us cope.”

In response to the tragedy, Austria has declared a national period of mourning. A minute of silence was observed across the country Wednesday morning, and flags on government buildings — including Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, the presidential office — were lowered to half-staff. The affected school has been closed indefinitely.

Calling it “a dark day in the history of our country,” Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker said the shooting was a blow to the very spirit of the nation. “A school is more than a place to learn — it’s a place of trust, belonging, and hope for the future,” he said.