In brief
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.
