Shots in Graz: Stalker seriously injured after attacking police

Shots in Graz: Stalker seriously injured after attacking police

On Friday evening, June 7th, 2025, dramatic incidents related to a stalker occurred in Graz. A 43-year-old Bosnian ignored a ban on approaching his ex-wife and stayed near her apartment, even though there was a strict ban on him entering. This ban was imposed due to previous domestic violence and threats, which already points to the trivialization of such warnings by many of those affected.

The police patrol discovered the suspect in a parked car around 9 p.m. When the officers spoke to him, the man tried to escape but was stopped. He then put the vehicle in reverse and accelerated at high speed towards the police officers. In this critical situation, the officers drew their service weapons and opened fire on the vehicle.

Serious injuries and investigation

The Bosnian was seriously injured in the shooting and was rescued from the car. The police officers provided first aid and immediately alerted the emergency services. An officer was also injured during the operation. The suspect is currently being treated in the intensive care unit. The public prosecutor's office has already issued an arrest warrant and initiated proceedings for attempted murder. The use of firearms is now being investigated by the independent investigation and complaints office of the Federal Office to Combat Corruption (BAK) in order to clarify the circumstances of the incident.

The legal basis for such measures is based on the Security Police Act (Section 38a). An entry ban can be issued to protect people at risk, whereby the person concerned must not only avoid the apartment, but also a radius of 100 meters. These bans are of essential importance in the event of acute threats.

Domestic violence and prevention

The incidents in Graz highlight the serious problem of domestic violence. Almost every day there are reports of similar cases in which existing legal regulations are often not sufficient to protect people who are actually at risk. Similar problems have also been identified in other studies on family violence, which show that effective prevention measures are urgently needed. Since the beginning of 2022, there has been a temporary ban on weapons for people at risk in Austria, regardless of weapons law permits. This is intended to help prevent further acts of violence.

The police offer advice and prevention seminars to convey effective strategies for dealing with violent people. These events are intended to increase the ability to act and the feeling of security. It is recommended that those affected contact the police immediately if existing bans are ignored.

The events in Graz are further sad evidence that the challenges and dangers caused by violence in the family cannot be ignored in our modern society. It is essential to raise awareness and implement comprehensive education and protective measures.