School Shooting Tragedy Sparks Gun Law Overhaul Discussion
Austria to enforce stricter firearm regulations following school rampage incident.
Vienna (dpa) - In the wake of the horrific school shooting in Graz, the Austrian government is contemplating a sweeping overhaul of its gun laws. Proposed measures include raising the minimum age for gun purchases, intensifying psychological tests for obtaining a gun license, and implementing stricter storage requirements. The government aims to finalize a package of measures by next week.
On Tuesday, a 21-year-old Austrian, armed with a pistol and a sawed-off shotgun—both legally owned—opened fire at his former school, leading to the tragic deaths of nine students, a teacher, and himself. While in Austria, obtaining a shotgun is relatively straightforward, a separate gun license is required for pistols, which the shooter also possessed, along with passing a psychological evaluation. It was later disclosed that he had been deemed unfit for military service due to psychological instability in 2021.
When it comes to firearms, Austria categorizes them into four categories, with stricter regulations applied to certain types. Underage individuals can own rifles and shotguns, but registration is compulsory. However, only those over 21 can own handguns, provided they have a firearms license. Obtaining a license comes with requirements such as proof of reliability, training, and justification for ownership, with psychological evaluations not always mandatory but possible in specific cases.
The tragic shooting in Graz has sparked intense public and political debate over the country's gun laws. Proposed changes include:
- Tougher eligibility rules, particularly regarding stricter age requirements and weapons handling.
- A potential rise in the minimum age for gun ownership.
- Intensified scrutiny of psychological evaluations, with suggestions to make them mandatory in the licensing process.
- Wider reforms, such as strengthened background checks and stricter storage regulations.
With calls for reform growing louder, the Austrian government faces a critical decision. The eagerly awaited package of measures is scheduled for finalization next week.
| Aspect | Current Law | Proposed Changes (June 2025) ||----------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|| Minimum age for rifles| 18 years | Possible increase || Minimum age for handguns| 21 years | Possible increase || Psychological test | Not mandatory (can be required) | Under consideration for mandatory use || License requirements | Justification needed (sport, self-defense), training, reliability | Likely stricter checks || Storage/transport | Secure, locked cabinet; unloaded transport | Possible stricter requirements |
- In the ongoing discourse about Austria's gun laws, there are proposals to make psychological tests mandatory for obtaining a gun license.
- Following the school shooting tragedy in Graz, there are plans to intensify scrutiny of psychological evaluations during the gun licensing process.
- The government is contemplating tougher eligibility rules for gun ownership, as part of the proposed changes to Austria's gun policies and legislation.
