Security Council immediately discusses preventive measures after shooting rampage in Graz

Security Council immediately discusses preventive measures after shooting rampage in Graz

On June 17, 2025, the Lower Austrian State Security Council met in the St. Pölten country house to discuss the security situation in the country. This first meeting, chaired by State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, took place against the backdrop of the shooting spree in Graz, which caused national consternation. Mikl-Leitner and LH deputy Udo Landbauer founded the committee in March 2025 to strengthen the country's security interests and respond to threat scenarios.

The meeting discussed comprehensive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. During these discussions, Mikl-Leitner emphasized the importance of cooperation across party lines. A central topic was also the fight against radical Islam, which Landbauer considered urgent. Stephan Pernkopf also pointed out the need to intensify measures against radicalization on the Internet.

Crucial events in Graz

The rampage on June 11, 2025, in which a 21-year-old Austrian killed ten people and injured eleven others in a high school in Graz, forms the sad backdrop for the deliberations. The perpetrator, who had no previous convictions, was inconspicuous and owned the firearms legally. During a search of his residence, police found an inoperable pipe bomb and plans for an explosive attack. The shocking events led to a minute's silence and three days of national mourning throughout Austria.

The incident was particularly tragic as nine of the ten dead were aged between 14 and 17, while a seriously injured teacher later died in hospital. The relevant authorities were faced with the challenge of analyzing the security situation and taking preventive measures. State Police Director Franz Popp assessed the general security situation in Lower Austria as stable, but pointed out the difficulties caused by cybercrime.

Measures to improve security

The State Security Council has decided to strengthen existing prevention and crisis care services in schools. This was also announced by State Councilor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister. Education Director Karl Fritthum reported during the meeting that there had already been 61 threat situations at schools in the current school year. Brigadier Georg Härtinger, military commander of Lower Austria, also spoke out in favor of close cooperation between emergency organizations and politics.

The government is also planning an extensive package of measures to prevent similar incidents. This includes immediate aid for those affected, a higher police presence in schools and the tightening of gun laws. As Chancellor Christian Stocker emphasized in a statement, this is a national tragedy that requires appropriate responses. Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler and other political actors are calling for stricter checks when purchasing weapons in order to increase security. Experts also see the need to regulate how children and young people interact with social networks.

The developments in the aftermath of the shooting and the discussions in the State Security Council illustrate the urgency of preventing tragic events like those in Graz and strengthening security in society.

Lower Austria reports on the State Security Council
ZDF explains the rampage in Graz
ORF highlights state reactions