AMOSLauf in Graz: Shock about weapons law and demands for reforms

AMOSLauf in Graz: Shock about weapons law and demands for reforms

Graz, Österreich - Today is June 12, 2025 and a tragic incident causes great dismay and intensive discussions throughout Austria. A 21-year-old shot nine young people and a teacher at a school in Graz before committing suicide at the scene. Eleven other people were injured and the motive for his cruel act remains unclear. These terrible events throw a bright light on Austrian weapons law, which has been violently debated in the political arena ever since. While the nation combines in mourning, many criticize the current legal framework and demand a revision.

political reactions and demands

The political reaction could hardly be overlooked. Communists and the Greens have already demanded tightening of weapons right, while the FPÖ vehemently fought against these proposals. "That would only be a symbol policy and causes general suspicion against undamaged citizens," said the tenor of the freedom. The National Council currently meets to analyze the background and discuss preventive measures. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen expressed his concerns about the appropriateness of the current weapons law during a memorial service for the victims in the St. St. St. Stephen's Cathedral.

The special thing about this case is that the perpetrator legally had both a shotgun and a fist fir weapon. According to reports, he visited a shooting club less than three months before the crime, which raises questions about security of weapons. A official approval is required in Austria to acquire fist fir weapons, but not for shotguns, which many are considered as a potential risk.

The numbers speak for themselves.

The underlying statistics make it clear that Austria has a high number of legal firearms per capita in an international comparison. In the country, an estimated 1.5 million legal firearms are in circulation, and the number of gun owners is around 370,000. Austria is therefore on a remarkable 12th place worldwide. A “Small Arms Survey” from 2017 showed that there are around 30 firearms per 100 inhabitants in Austria. In comparison, the hurdles for legal gun ownership in Germany are much stricter.

weapons law in the discussion

The mayor of Graz and the Greens require a general ban on weapons for private individuals. Franz Ruf, the General Director of Public Security, also recognizes the strictness of Austrian weapons law, but warns of possible gaps. The Greens also require regular inspections for gun owners to guarantee stable and safe handling. "The weapons law is too liberal in its current form", Paul Plener, Clinic Director for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, also criticized.

The horse really seems to be hung on the tail, because while access to weapons is more strictly regulated in other countries, the question remains whether the existing laws in Austria do justice to the current need for security. It remains to be seen how the political landscape will react to this incident and whether there is actually a rethink in dealing with gun law.

The future could be crucial for the security of the citizens, and it is to be hoped that this tragedy was not for nothing. With a clear commitment to a stricter weapons law, Austria could take the first step towards a safer society.