Security Council immediately discusses preventive measures after the killing spree in Graz

Security Council immediately discusses preventive measures after the killing spree in Graz

On June 17, 2025, the Lower Austrian State Security Council met in the St. Pölten country house to advise on the security situation in the country. This first meeting event, chaired by Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, took place against the background of the killing spree in Graz, who caused nationally dismay. Mikl-Leitner and LH deputy Udo Landbauer launched the committee in March 2025 to strengthen the country's security interests and react to threat scenarios.

events in Graz

The killing spree on June 11, 2025, in which a 21-year-old Austrian killed ten people in a high school in Graz and injured eleven more, forms the sad framework for the consultations. The perpetrator who had no criminal record was unremarkable and had the firearms legally. During a search of his residence, the police found a non -functional pipe bomb and plans for an explosive attack. The shocking events led to a minute's silence throughout Austria and a three -day state mourning.

The incident was particularly tragic because nine of the ten dead were between 14 and 17 years old, while a seriously injured teacher later died in the hospital. The responsible authorities were faced with the challenge of analyzing the security situation and taking preventive measures. State police director Franz Popp rated the general security situation in Lower Austria as stable, but pointed out the difficulties of cybercrime.

measures to improve security

The State Security Council has decided to strengthen existing prevention and crisis care offers in schools. This was also announced by State Councilor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister. Education director Karl Fritthum reported during the meeting of 61 threats in schools in the current school year. Brigadier Georg Härtinger, military commander Lower Austria, also spoke out for close cooperation between emergency organizations and politics.

The government also plans an extensive package of measures to prevent similar incidents. This includes immediate help for those affected, a higher police presence in schools, as well as the tightening of the weapons law. As Chancellor Christian Stocker emphasized in a statement, this is a national tragedy that requires corresponding reactions. Vice -Chancellor Andreas Babler and other political actors are calling for stricter exams when acquiring weapons to increase security. Experts also see the need to regulate the handling of children and adolescents with social networks.

The developments after the killing spree and the discussions in the State Security Council illustrate urgency to prevent tragic events as in Graz and to strengthen security in society.

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