Austria Introduces New Gun Control Measures Following School Tragedy

In response to a tragic school shooting in Graz, Austria, the government is implementing stricter gun control regulations aimed at preventing future incidents. The shooting, which resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, was perpetrated by a 21-year-old former student using legally owned firearms.

Austria has historically maintained more lenient firearm regulations compared to many other European nations. The recent events have prompted officials to reconsider and tighten these laws significantly. Currently, adults can purchase shotguns without significant restrictions, whereas obtaining a Glock handgun requires a permit and a psychological assessment.

The proposed reforms include raising the minimum age for purchasing firearms from 21 to 25 years. Additionally, the waiting period for acquiring a firearm will be extended from three days to four weeks, and newly issued gun permits will now expire after eight years.

Emphasizing the importance of mental health, the government plans to enhance the psychological evaluations required for gun ownership. There is also an initiative to increase the number of school psychologists in the next three years to help identify potential risks among students.

Chancellor Christian Stocker asserted the government's commitment to learning from this tragedy and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to fulfill their responsibilities. He highlighted that the reforms are designed to prevent individuals deemed dangerous from obtaining firearms.

The shooter in this incident had previously failed a psychological screening that is a prerequisite for military service, yet current regulations do not allow the military to share such information with gun regulatory bodies. As part of the new measures, the government aims to improve communication between military authorities and firearm regulatory agencies, ensuring that critical information is considered during the permit application process.

Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler emphasized that anyone posing a danger to society should not have access to firearms, reinforcing the government's dedication to public safety.

As investigations into the shooter's motives continue, these proposed changes signal a significant shift in Austria's approach to gun control, aiming to strike a balance between individual rights and community safety.