Austrian Government Cracks Down on Gun Ownership Post-Graz School Tragedy
Austria increases minimum age for purchasing firearms - Austria raises gun purchasing age limit
In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Graz that left ten innocent lives shattered, the Austrian government has vowed to strengthen its gun laws. The new legislation includes raising the minimum age for obtaining certain dangerous weapons from 21 to 25 years, according to Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP).
Additionally, the "cooling-off" period between weapon purchase and handover will be extended from three days to a month. This measure aims to provide more time for thorough background checks before weapon distribution [1][2][3].
Moreover, psychological evaluations for gun buyers will assume greater importance. In the future, data sharing between the Austrian Armed Forces and gun authorities will be possible. This information exchange would help recognize potential threats, as the Graz shooter's psychological instability during conscription had been unnoticed [1].
At present, an alarming number of potential recruits are being denied due to psychological issues. In 2019, 32% of all unfit individuals rejected were due to psychological concerns, while the percentage rose to approximately 40% in 2024 according to Michael Bauer, spokesman for the Austrian Armed Forces [1].
More School Psychologists for a Safer Future
"Those who pose danger should not have access to weapons," stated Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPO). The current ability for individuals aged 18 to acquire certain weapons categories remains unchanged. However, access requirements will become more stringent [1]. The Interior Ministry hasn't revealed any specific changes yet.
To prevent future deadly incidents, the number of school psychologists will double over the next three years, as declared by Stocker. "School psychology should no longer be an exception but the norm," the head of government emphasized [1]. School security will also be re-evaluated moving forward.
In the interim, police presence at schools will be increased before the end of the school year, announced the Chairwoman of the liberal NEOS and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger. A compensation fund of €20 million will aid relatives and the school in recovering from this tragedy [1].
The Graz shooter, a 21-year-old Austrian, opened fire on his former school on June 10, leaving nine students and a teacher dead. The assailant later took his own life. While his exact motive remains uncertain, investigations have revealed that he admired mass shooters [1].
- Graz
- School shooting
- Austria
- Christian Stocker
- Gun laws
- Minimum age
- Mental health evaluations
- School security
In the context of the Austrian government's increased focus on gun control following the Graz school shooting, a community policy update is likely to include stricter vocational training procedures for psychological evaluation specialists. This will aid in recognizing potential threats from gun buyers, as demonstrated by the overlooked psychological instability of the Graz shooter during conscription.
Aligned with the government's commitment to prevent future tragedies, the policy-and-legislation sector may also see developments in the field of general news, crime-and-justice, and politics, particularly regarding school security and mental health evaluations for gun buyers.
