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Austria significantly tightens gun laws after Graz shooting!
After the shooting in Graz, Austria tightened its gun laws: higher age limits and stricter controls were decided.
Austria significantly tightens gun laws after Graz shooting!
The tragic events in Graz in June have resulted in a number of changes to gun laws in Austria. A 21-year-old shot ten people at a school - nine teenagers and a teacher - before ending his life. This act has reignited the public debate about security and gun control and prompted Parliament to take far-reaching measures, as [Deutschlandfunk](https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/oesterreichs-parlament-stimm-nach-amoklauf-in-graz-fuer-schaerferes- Waffengesetz-104.html) reports.
On September 25, 2025, the Austrian Parliament voted with a large majority, but without the votes of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), to reform the gun law. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) called this amendment the biggest change to the gun law in 30 years. The key innovations include raising the minimum age for purchasing pistols and revolvers from 21 to 25 years and for rifles from 18 to 21 years. Additionally, gun owners must undergo another psychological assessment five years after their initial application to ensure they are fit to own firearms, [Tagesschau](https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/oesterreich- Waffengesetz-102.html) adds.
Extend psychological tests and deadlines
Another important aspect of the reform is the extension of the cooling-off period between the purchase and delivery of a weapon. This period will be extended from three days to four weeks, allowing for more thorough verification of buyers. Gerhard Karner emphasized that such measures should help increase security in society and prevent such tragedies in the future. The Graz gunman had already been classified as unfit for military service due to psychological instability when he was drafted into the armed forces, which will now also have an impact on the allocation of weapons, as a better exchange of data between the responsible authorities will be made possible, as [Die Zeit](https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2025-09/oesterreich-parlament-abstimm-amoklauf-graz- Waffengesetz) reports.
Reactions and exceptions
The FPÖ, which has spoken out against the reform, calls the amendment a “general attack” on the rights of gun owners. FPÖ General Secretary described the draft law as a “behemoth of a bill”. Government representatives, however, accuse the FPÖ of not showing a sense of responsibility. Despite these political disputes, all other party groups voted for the reform.
However, there are also exceptions for hunters and sport shooters to ensure they can continue to carry out their activities. These points were taken into account during the negotiations in order to strike a balance between safety and the interests of sports and leisure monuments.
The changes are expected to come into force in different phases, with the raising of the minimum age expected to take effect in the first quarter of 2026 after the relevant systems are adjusted. With this, Austria is reacting to the alarming incidents of the last few months and would like to make it clear that the victims of Graz will not only be remembered with words, but with deeds.