According to Graz-AmoFlauf: Government is planning drastic changes in the Weapons Act

According to Graz-AmoFlauf: Government is planning drastic changes in the Weapons Act

Graz, Österreich - On June 10, 2025, Chancellor Christian Stocker commented at a press conference after a killing spree at a school in Graz. In this dramatic incident, in which a 21-year-old perpetrator was armed with a shotgun and a fist fire weapon, the question arose of the background of the tragic event. The National Security Council had already met on Thursday before the press conference to analyze the circumstances and motivations of the perpetrator.

A government declaration in the National Council is scheduled for June 12, 2025, in which Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and other ministers and party leaders will take part. This session coincides with the final budget consultations for the double budget 2025/2026, which last from Monday to Wednesday. A decision on the double budget should take place on Wednesday evening.

discussion about gun law

The federal government also discusses possible changes in the law to tighten weapons right. According to reports, corresponding legislative packages are already in preparation. Especially after the killing spree, there are always calls to check the existing regulations. Graz Mayor Elke Kahr called for a complete ban on firearms for private individuals and emphasized that only executive organs should wear weapons. The Greens support this advance and also demand regular psychological reviews for gun owners.

Current laws only allow firearms under certain conditions. As reported orf.at, one must be over 21 years old as a reliable citizen of the European Economic Area and demonstrate a credible justification for gun acquisition. In addition, psychological reports and evidence of the safe handling of the weapons must be presented to acquire firearms.

The director of public security, Franz Ruf, said that the perpetrator apparently met the prerequisites for legal gun ownership. Nevertheless, it is questioned how it was possible for such a young perpetrator to be in possession of both semi -automatic rifles and pistols. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen called for a review of the existing weapons laws and emphasized that this should now be a top priority.

social effects and security concerns

statistics show that the number of private weapons owners in Austria rose from 369,953 to 374.141 in the first five months of 2025, which raises deeper social issues. According to KURIER, around 1,518,873 weapons, accessories and magazines are owned by the population. The increase in the number of weapons, especially after the novella of 2020, which summarized categories C and D, is extremely worrying.

The debate about the possession of firearms in Austria is complex. After tragic events such as the killing spree in Graz, it is often required to revise existing laws. Numerous experts criticize the current psychological tests, which often do not meet modern standards and may not be able to contribute sufficiently to security.

In order to comprehensively examine the planned security policy measures, the grief for the victims of the killing spree is recognized in a funeral minute in parliament, and the government emphasizes that the mourning for the victims should be the focus. Events are not only a challenge for the federal government, but are also a test for the entire society that urgently is looking for solutions to increase security and avoid similar incidents in the future.