Austria is set to introduce stricter gun control laws following the country’s deadliest school shooting, which left ten people dead and many more in shock. The tragic incident took place on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, at a secondary school in Graz, where a 21-year-old gunman opened fire before turning the weapon on himself.
Speaking in an interview with ORF Radio on Saturday, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker confirmed that the government will act swiftly to tighten national gun regulations in response to the massacre.
“We’re going to raise the standards for who can own and purchase firearms,” Stocker said. “Stricter age requirements, psychological evaluations, and more oversight on certain categories of weapons are all on the table.”
The proposed legislation is expected to be finalized and approved during a cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday. A spokesperson from the chancellor’s office verified the timeline and key elements of the plan.
According to reports from Kronen Zeitung, Austria’s leading daily newspaper, the proposed changes will include:
- Enhanced mental health support in schools
- Increased police presence at educational institutions
- Stronger information-sharing protocols between law enforcement and local authorities
- Tighter restrictions on individuals deemed potential threats
The Graz gunman was described by police as a reclusive individual who spent excessive time playing violent online shooting games. He had reportedly withdrawn from social life in the months leading up to the attack.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the rampage, but the incident has ignited a fierce national conversation on gun violence and mental health awareness.
Austria, known for its generally low gun crime rates, has been rattled by this rare mass shooting. Citizens, educators, and lawmakers alike are now calling for comprehensive reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The chancellor assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all students and citizens.
“This is about protecting lives,” Stocker said. “And that means taking a long, hard look at how we handle gun ownership in Austria.”
