Tightening Austria's Gun Laws: A Response to the Graz School Shooting
Stricter Gun Legislation Implemented in Austria Following Graz Mass Shooting Incident - Strengthened Gun Regulations Implemented by Austrian Government Following Graz Incident
In the wake of the shocking school shooting in Graz, Austria's government has decided to tighten the nation's gun laws to enhance public safety and prevent future acts of violence.
Key Changes in Gun Law Measures
Raising the Age Limit for Gun Ownership- Currently, the minimum age to own a firearm is 21. However, this age limit will be raised to 25 years old, particularly for weapons such as handguns and semi-automatic firearms that require a more stringent psychological evaluation.
Stricter Eligibility Criteria for Gun Ownership- Applicants for gun permits will undergo tougher psychological evaluations to ensure a more thorough screening process.
Extended Waiting Periods for Gun Purchases- The current "cooling-off phase" for gun purchases, which is three working days for shotguns, will be extended to a four-week period for all types of weapons.
Improved Data Sharing between Authorities- Information relevant to potential risks, such as failed psychological tests, will be automatically considered during the gun permit application process.
Other Measures
- The government aims to strengthen psychological support and counseling in schools, and maintaining a heightened police presence at school entrances until the end of the school year.
- A compensation fund will be established to offer rapid and unbureaucratic aid to victims' families, covering funeral costs, psychological care, and other urgent support.
The reforms come in the aftermath of the devastating attack at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in Graz, where a 21-year-old former student, who had legally possessed a Glock 19 pistol and a sawed-off shotgun, killed nine students and a teacher before taking his own life. The shooter had passed the existing psychological assessment required for gun ownership, raising concerns about the current system's effectiveness.
In essence, Austria's new gun laws will focus on raising the minimum age for gun ownership permits to 25, introducing stricter psychological testing and eligibility checks, extending waiting periods for firearm purchases, improving inter-agency information sharing, and implementing expiring gun permits—all aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
- The tightened gun laws in Austria, a response to the Graz school shooting, involve raising the age limit for gun ownership to 25 years old, particularly for handguns and semi-automatic firearms, and implementing stricter employment policies, such as intense psychological evaluations for applicants seeking gun permits.
- Beyond gun control measures, these reforms also encompass politics, as the government proposes strengthening psychological support in schools and planning to establish a compensation fund for victims' families - measures falling under the general news category and crime-and-justice sector.
