Government terminates drastic change of weapons law after the killing spree in Graz

Government terminates drastic change of weapons law after the killing spree in Graz

Dreierschützengasse, Graz, Österreich - On June 18, 2025, the Austrian federal government, under the direction of Chancellor Christian Stocker and Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler, announced a comprehensive package of measures to cope with the consequences of the killing spree at Borg Dreierschützengasse in Graz. This follows the tragic events that occurred there and shaken the public. The package of measures not only aims to increase security in schools, but also includes significant changes in the weapons law.

Vice Chancellor Babler criticized that access to weapons in Austria was too lax. The perpetrator of the killing spree had legal weapons, despite previous psychological abnormalities. In order to prevent such tragedies in the future, it is essential that the results of psychological studies should be made accessible to the weapons authority in the future. This is one of the central demands of the new package.

tightening in the weapons law

A central component of the highly expected package of measures is the tightening of the weapons law. Among other things, stricter suitability requirements for gun ownership and an increase in the minimum age for the purchase of particularly dangerous firearms from 21 to 25 years are planned. In addition, the "cooling time" should be extended to four weeks when buying the first weapon. The gun ownership card for first buyers is limited to a validity of eight years.

A weapon ban up to ten years of weapon for people with psychological abnormalities should also be introduced. The main aim of the measures to ensure that only responsible people have access to weapons. It is also emphasized that there will be no cuts for hunters because they assume that they are responsible for using weapons.

Support for those affected

Another important aspect of the package of measures is the establishment of a compensation fund of 20 million euros to help the families concerned. This support includes both the funding of burial costs and psychological support for relatives. At the same time, financial resources are provided to cope with the effects of the killing spree at the school.

For the students of the Borg Dreienschützengasse, a regulation was made that enables them to get their conclusion regularly, even if they have to do without the oral Matura. The government also plans to double the number of school psychologists within the next three years. Consequently, it is stated that school psychology should become the rule and that mandatory consultations with parents are introduced during school drops or suspenders.

improved security concepts

Furthermore, an increased police presence in schools will be sought until the end of the school year. The individual schools are asked to expand their security concepts and to be able to react better to possible risks. Politicians have also recognized the need to implement better monitoring of endangered young people and to introduce mandatory measures for this group.

Overall, the package of measures reflects the urgent need for action that was created after the killing spree in Graz. The government is committed to ensuring that schools remain safe places where students can learn without fear. This is an unequivocal message to society: the security of children and adolescents has a top priority.

The decision of the package of measures is expected in the coming week, and the authorities are already working on the implementation of the necessary changes to create better conditions for the future.

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