A Rampage in Graz: Questioning Austrian Gun Laws
Workers' Protection from Ionizing Radiation: A Proposed Directive Suggested by the Commission
Let's chat about the chaos that took over Graz, Austria! Following the devastating school attack, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen can't help but wonder: Are Austria's gun laws truly fit for the modern world? The head of state mused about the matter, according to Austrian Press Agency (APA) reports on June 10, 2025.
A 21-year-old gunman took the lives of ten educators and students at his former school the previous day, then ended his own life with the weapon. Investigations revealed that the Austrian attacker lawfully possessed both a shotgun and a handgun.
With many questioning how a 21-year-old obtained both short- and long-range firearms and the ammunition necessary for such destruction, Van der Bellen stated his concerns to the press.
In the past, Graz's former communist mayor, Elke Kahr, and a Green Party politician advocated for a ban on private gun ownership in Austria. While a permit is mandatory for handguns, it's not required for rifles and shotguns – a loophole the recent tragedy has put under a microscope.
Breaking Down Austria's Gun Laws
Austria's firearm regulations are relatively lax compared to other European countries. The laws categorize firearms into three main categories: Category A (prohibited items), Category B (pistols, manually loaded rifles, and semi-automatics), and Category C (hunting rifles and shotguns). The last category doesn't require a permit or psychological evaluation, and there's no limit to the number of Category C weapons a person can own.
To own certain firearms, like handguns, one must meet specific requirements – being at least 21 years old and passing evaluations. However, easily accessible long guns are a different story [4][5].
Shaking Things Up: Seeking stricter Gun Laws
The tragic school shooting in Graz has intensified calls for change. The event, which marks Europe's deadliest mass shooting in post-war times, has raised concerns about Austria's loose firearm regulations. Responding to public and political pressure, the Austrian government has begun tightening up the rules [3][5].
Expectations are high for the government to roll out new restrictions, focusing on access to firearms, deterrence for potential attackers, and enhanced security at educational institutions. These proposals could shelter us from future incidents and set a new standard for gun ownership and safety in Austria [5].
- Following the school attack in Graz, Austria, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen is questioning whether Austria's current gun laws are suitable for the modern world.
- The head of the attacker, who murdered ten educators and students at his former school, was found to have lawfully owned both a shotgun and a handgun.
- With the recent tragedy, Austria's lax gun laws are under scrutiny, particularly the loophole that allows for rifle and shotgun ownership without a permit.
- In the wake of the Graz school shooting, there are high expectations for the Austrian government to implement new restrictions focusing on firearm access, deterrence for potential attackers, and enhanced security at educational institutions.
