Scandal surrounding Graz gunman: gun license despite psychological abnormalities!

Scandal surrounding Graz gunman: gun license despite psychological abnormalities!

A serious incident in Graz has reignited the discussion about the acquisition of weapons and psychological reports. The 21-year-old perpetrator, who was active in a shooting club, had obtained a firearms license in the Graz area three months before his crime. The process that preceded this acquisition now raises questions that go far beyond the individual case.

How exxpress.at According to reports, the young man was looked after in a shooting club by a retired manager who, as a member of the club, was actively involved in shooting sports. The manager described the perpetrator as lacking empathy and conspicuous, with sunken cheeks, round glasses and shoulder-length hair. Despite these striking features, the perpetrator passed a psychological evaluation and obtained his firearms license. Critics say the psychological tests required for gun ownership are often inadequate.

Criticism of psychological tests

The psychological tests required to obtain a firearms license are increasingly being criticized. How the press Reportedly, the requirements for owning handguns are relatively low. The reports, which are prepared within a few hours, are based primarily on the applicants' self-disclosure. Psychiatrist Jutta Leth is therefore calling for a new testing and monitoring system that better assesses the suitability of gun owners.

The duration of the short psychological examination is around 1.5 to 2 hours and includes, among other things, questions about the motives for owning a weapon. Critics argue that limited questions based on self-reporting are not sufficient to reliably identify potential risks. According to information from psychologist Sebastian Wagner, such reports may be provided not only by any psychologist, but also by arms dealers, which raises additional concerns about objectivity.

The consequences and demands

The ex-manager of the shooting club subsequently calls for an early warning system that should make it possible to identify and report people with psychological problems at an early stage. In addition, multi-stage training for the firearms license is being sought in order to increase safety. The club's shooting range will remain closed until further notice for reasons of respect.

In Germany there are already stricter legal regulations for gun ownership, which are based on a comprehensive examination of personal suitability. After Psychologist Wagner Doubts about suitability due to personal incidents such as alcohol or drug abuse can be a reason for a more detailed assessment. Psychological suitability assessments are intended to ensure that only suitable people have access to weapons.

The current situation makes it clear that there is a need for action. The case in Graz not only raises questions about the responsibility of shooting clubs and arms dealers, but also about the effectiveness of current psychological tests. There is increasing public demand for stricter controls and better assessment of psychological risks associated with gun ownership.