Austria raises minimum age for purchasing firearms
Austria Cracks Down on Gun Laws After Deadly School Shooting
Following the horrific Graz school shooting that claimed ten lives and injured twelve others, Austria is taking decisive action. The tragedy, which occurred on June 11, 2025, has sparked nationwide introspection and action across several critical areas.
Reinforcing Gun Control Measures
The gunman used two legally owned firearms - a shotgun and a handgun - in the attack, leading to heated discussions on the effectiveness of existing gun laws[1]. In response, the government has proposed several potential changes:
- The minimum age for purchasing particularly dangerous weapons is set to rise from 21 to 25 years[2].
- The "cooling-off" period between the purchase of the first weapon and its handover will be increased from three days to four weeks.
- Psychological tests for gun buyers will become more significant, with data exchange between the federal army and weapons authorities now possible[2]. It was previously public knowledge that the perpetrator was deemed psychologically unstable during his conscription but had not been flagged[1].
Enhancing Mental Health Support
After the massacre, communities have come together in vigils and remembrance events, emphasizing the emotional trauma experienced by students, faculty, and families[1]. To support the long-term mental health of schoolchildren, there may be increased calls for more mental health resources within schools, including additional school psychologists. However, as of now, no specific policies or funding increases have been announced[1].
Strengthening School Security
While the police are continuing their investigations into the attack, focusing on the gunman’s background and potential warning signs, there have been no official statements about permanent changes to security protocols or routine police patrols in educational institutions[1]. With heightened public awareness, there may be temporary increases in police presence at schools until the end of the school year[3].
In summary, Austria’s response remains rooted in mourning and investigation, with significant legal or policy changes likely to be considered in the weeks ahead[1].
[1] Source: BBC News, The Guardian, New York Times[2] Source: Austrian Broadcasting Corporation[3] Source: NEOS Party, Austrian Foreign Minister's statement
- Amidst the aftermath of the tragic school shooting in Graz, the discussion on the effectiveness of Austria's current gun laws has gained importance.
- Acknowledging the role of mental health in the recent tragedy, there might be increased calls for greater mental health resources within schools.
- To prevent such incidents in the future, the government has proposed stricter gun control measures, such as raising the minimum age for purchasing dangerous weapons, extending the cooling-off period, and enhancing psychological tests for gun buyers.
- In the realm of policy and legislation, it's expected that Austria will review and revise its policies regarding gun laws, mental health support, and school security in response to the school shooting.
- As general-news sources report, ongoing investigations into the attack are underway, with potential changes to school security protocols and police presence in educational institutions a topic of discussion.
