Austria's Government Proposes Stricter Gun Laws After Graz School Shooting

Austrian authorities are moving swiftly to implement new gun control measures in response to the school shooting in Graz, which left nine students and a teacher dead. The proposed legislation aims to raise the minimum legal age for handgun ownership from 21 to 25, enhance psychological evaluations for gun purchasers, and introduce a mandatory four-week waiting period before firearm delivery.

On June 18, 2025, Chancellor Christian Stocker addressed the nation, acknowledging the gravity of the recent incident. The shooter, a former student of the school, reportedly took his own life after the attack. Despite having failed a psychological assessment necessary for military service, he managed to legally acquire a Glock pistol and a modified shotgun. As investigators continue to explore the motives behind the shooting, they have linked the suspect to a troubling fascination with previous school shooters. The government's intention to reform gun laws reflects a growing concern over public safety and the urgent need for change in light of this unprecedented tragedy.