AMOSLauf in Graz: Should Austria's gun law be completely reformed?

AMOSLauf in Graz: Should Austria's gun law be completely reformed?

Graz, Österreich - A shocking amoclace in Graz currently leads to intensive discussions about weapons law in Austria. On Tuesday morning, a 21-year-old killed ten people in an attack at a school, including nine young people and a teacher. The perpetrator, who later committed suicide, had both a shotgun and a fist firearm that he had legally acquired. This tragedy raises fundamental questions about security and existing regulations in the possession of weapons. In response to these events, Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has questioned weapons law and asks whether the legal situation meets the modern requirements. Political representatives also discuss how a 21-year-old was able to acquire such weapons and ammunition.

The Mayor of Graz Elke Kahr has called for a comprehensive ban on firearms for private individuals after the incident. "We urgently need to think about who can have weapons in this country," said Kahr. She criticizes that guns are often given too quickly in Austria and pleads to allow this possession exclusively executive organs. The debate about possible changes in regulations comes into focus in the light of the terrifying events in Graz.

gun ownership in Austria: Current status

Austria is one of the most armed countries in Europe. According to the central weapon register, a total of 1,518,873 firearms were recorded in the legal possession of 374,141 people on June 1, 2025. While official approval is required for the acquisition of fist fir weapons, fewer strict regulations apply to shotguns and rifles. This could be an explanation for the perpetrator in Graz so easily got his weapons, so many politicians argue.

Franz Ruf, the general director of public security, emphasizes the need for a political discussion about the topic and potential gaps in regulations. It indicates the large number of attack methods that have been observed in recent years that range from firearms to knives to vehicles. This illustrates urgency to rethink the existing security measures.

grief and commemoration

Austria commemorates the victim with a minute of fun, which is scheduled for Wednesday. The killing spree has shaken many people across the country and triggered an intensive debate to what extent the security laws should be adjusted to prevent future incidents of this kind. The pressure on the government to take measures to tighten the weapons laws grows.

At a time when the dangers of gun ownership are increasingly being discussed, the incident in Graz could be regarded as a turning point in the Austrian weapon debate. Political votes not only require a rethinking of the law, but also a comprehensive public discussion about which security measures have to be taken to avoid such tragedies

For more information on the current developments in this topic, please visit bnn.de , DiePresse.com or ooe.orf .