AMOSLauf in Graz: debate about gun law and protection of children sparked!

AMOSLauf in Graz: debate about gun law and protection of children sparked!

Graz, Österreich - On June 15, 2025, the tragic killing spree at a school in Graz employs the whole country. The incident, which took place on June 10, 2025, demanded at least eleven lives, including the 21-year-old perpetrator, who committed suicide on site. The gunman shot nine young people and a teacher while eleven more people were injured. The exact motifs of the attacker are still unclear. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen described the crime as indescribable and announced a three-day state mourning. In addition, a minute's silence will be held across the country on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

The discussion about the radicalization of the perpetrator and the insufficient detection of alarm signs is in full swing. There are demands for state offers to support young men and to protect children in educational institutions. The case has initiated a broad debate about the security situation in Austria and the effectiveness of current laws regarding the possession of weapons. In Austria, people can acquire shotguns and ammunition without proof of reliability, innocence or psychological stability, which is strongly criticized in the face of this incident.

weapons law and political reactions

The discussion about sharper weapons laws is loudly conducted. The Mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr and the Greens, call for a weapons ban for private individuals, while the FPÖ is against tightening the law and describes this as a "pure symbol policy". She also warns of a general suspicion of unattended citizens. The gunman legally had a bell pistol and a shotgun and reported reported in a shooting club three months before the attack. One of the weapons was acquired a few days before the crime.

Federal President Van der Bellen questioned the current weapons law and requested that the legal situation be examined. Austrian legislation distinguishes between four categories of firearms: forbidden weapons (category A), weapons subject to approval (category B), reportable weapons (category C) and other weapons (category D). The acquisition of fist fir weapons is subject to approval, while shotguns and rifles can be bought without such evidence.

A look at the numbers

around 1.5 million weapons are registered in Austria, but the number of weapons has increased in the past five years. There is a clear discussion about the need for more restrictive regulations compared to other countries, such as Germany, where the paste accuracy of laws on security of weapons is significantly stricter. In Germany, potential gun owners have to demonstrate their reliability and suitability, while in Austria there is no need for a psychological report for the acquisition of shotguns or rifles, which many see as a serious security risk.

The National Security Council is currently in Vienna to analyze the background of the killing spree and advise preventive measures. It is evident that the right debates must now be conducted in order to prevent future incidents of this kind and to create effective security measures to protect citizens.