Austria Enacts Stricter Gun Laws After Tragic School Shooting

After a devastating school shooting in Graz, Austria, the government has proposed significant reforms to gun ownership regulations in an effort to enhance public safety and prevent future tragedies.

In response to the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of nine students and a teacher, Austria's government announced a series of proposed changes to its gun ownership laws. These new measures, revealed on June 18, 2025, come just over a week after the deadliest school shooting in the nation's history.

Among the reforms suggested is an increase in the minimum age to purchase certain firearms, specifically handguns, from 21 to 25. Furthermore, the government aims to strengthen the psychological evaluations required prior to gun ownership and introduce a mandatory four-week waiting period following a purchase before firearms can be delivered.

"We cannot reverse the pain of loss we have suffered," stated Chancellor Christian Stocker. "But we owe it to those we lost to implement actions that could prevent such a tragedy from happening again."

The perpetrator of the shooting, who has not been officially named due to privacy laws, was a 21-year-old former student of the Graz school. He reportedly took his own life following the incident. Details from the investigation suggest he had previously failed a psychological evaluation for military service and exhibited antisocial behavior, yet he still managed to acquire firearms legally—including a modified Glock pistol and a shotgun.

Authorities are working to improve communication between their various agencies regarding psychological assessments to better prevent individuals with concerning backgrounds from obtaining firearms. This tragedy has forced a national conversation in Austria regarding gun laws and public safety, highlighting the urgent need for reform.