Austria will tighten its firearms law now, after the school shooting this week with 11 dead and 30+ injured. - Do you think this is a good idea ?

[Tender Branson]

Thread 'Ten dead in Austria school shooting.'

Jun 10, 2025

BBC thread:

Ten dead in Austria school shooting​

Ten dead in Austria school shooting, including suspect, Graz mayor says - live updates

Students and at least one adult are among the dead, Graz Mayor Elke Kahr tells Austria's APA news agency.

www.bbc.com

Apparently a former high school student from that school ...

• Tender Branson
• Replies: 37
• Forum: Breaking News

• 

 

[Tender Branson]

I would support "option 2", which is also what the centrist ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS government is now planning.

After Austria's "Columbine" this week, they simply cannot do nothing ... and the attack has shown that some loopholes need to be closed.

Especially psychological data sharing between agencies such as from the army draft psychological assessment (which is very comprehensive) must be shared with psychologists and authorities that are issuing the firearm permits to private persons.

This is currently not the case, because of data privacy law. The shooter was ruled "unfit to serve" at 18 at the military draft, after a military psychologist evalued him. This was not shared with the authorities at 21, before he got his firearm licence and with another psychologist whose assessment was necessary to get the license.

Also, the age to get firearms in Austria is 18 for rifles and 21 for handguns. Maybe they will raise both ages to 22-26, because if they raise the age to 26, there would be no connection to high school anymore at this age and high school is often a terrible place with bullying etc.

Also, the psychological testing itself to get firearms (= required) is outdated: currently, it's a written test that is quite oldfashioned which reads "do you hear voices ?" and questions like that, which every person can pass. The government is now trying to reform this, so that a combination of several modern state-of-the-art tests will be used, also personal talks with psychologists, not just written tests.

 

[Tender Branson]

I think that our firearm law should be changed, so that

* the minimum age for getting a license and ALL firearm purchases is raised from 18 (rifles) and 21 (handguns) to 26 years of age.
* a waiting period of 3 months should be introduced (currently just 3 days !), after which you can buy a firearm after you get your license --- as a "cool-down-phase".
* better data sharing between psychologists/military draft agency/etc. with the licensing authorities. If you had prior psychological problems, you shouldn't be able to get a license and guns.
* the psychological assessment to get a license should not be done just once (before the permit), but every 3 years. Because your psychological health changes sometimes. You might be healthy now, but depressed in 3 years.

 

[Tender Branson]

I also think that police should be able to enter your house to check if all your firearms/ammo is stored away safely - every year.

Currently, the police is only coming every 5 years here in Austria to gun owners, to check if firearms/ammo is stored away safely in a locked room or safe.

Verwahrung von Schusswaffen

www.oesterreich.gv.at

 

[tharock220]

I just looked into it. Austria appears to have relaxed laws compared to the rest of Europe. I always oppose further restrictions on gun ownership, but I don't live in Austria.

 

[Tender Branson]

I just looked into it. Austria appears to have relaxed laws compared to the rest of Europe. I always oppose further restrictions on gun ownership, but I don't live in Austria.

I am not really familiar what the gun laws in other European countries are, but our media says that they are stricter.

While I totally oppose a ban on private firearms ownership, I support quite a bit of closing loopholes that now emerged and other improvements (see above).

Maybe this will save many lives in the future that would otherwise have been lost without these coming reforms.

 

[tharock220]

I am not really familiar what the gun laws in other European countries are, but our media says that they are stricter.

While I totally oppose a ban on private firearms ownership, I support quite a bit of closing loopholes that now emerged and other improvements (see above).

Maybe this will save many lives in the future that would otherwise have been lost without these coming reforms.

I said I always oppose further restrictions. That's not entirely true. There was a time when I background checks and possibly registration didn't sound like bad ideas to me. The problem is that process was turned into a black box for the purpose of prohibiting guns in multiple US cities. The requirements to clear a background check were ambiguous, and local governments would simply refuse to register weapons. So it was a de facto ban, and now I'm not on board with it anymore.

 

[trixare4kids]

Thread 'Ten dead in Austria school shooting.'

Jun 10, 2025

BBC thread:

Ten dead in Austria school shooting​

Ten dead in Austria school shooting, including suspect, Graz mayor says - live updates

Students and at least one adult are among the dead, Graz Mayor Elke Kahr tells Austria's APA news agency.

www.bbc.com

Apparently a former high school student from that school ...

• Tender Branson
• Replies: 37
• Forum: Breaking News

• 

It's your country so, they have the power to take the issue to the electorate and proceed to follow the vote.

 

[Sweden]

Thread 'Ten dead in Austria school shooting.'

Jun 10, 2025

BBC thread:

Ten dead in Austria school shooting​

Ten dead in Austria school shooting, including suspect, Graz mayor says - live updates

Students and at least one adult are among the dead, Graz Mayor Elke Kahr tells Austria's APA news agency.

www.bbc.com

Apparently a former high school student from that school ...

• Tender Branson
• Replies: 37
• Forum: Breaking News

• 

I support a total ban on handguns.

 

[SkyChief]

As there is no Constitutional right for the People to keep and bear arms in Austria. BAN ALL GUNS.

One and done.

 

[Sweden]

As there is no Constitutional right for the People to keep and bear arms in Austria. BAN ALL GUNS.

One and done.

Bad logic. In the USA (u Atria/ there is no constitutional right to eat peanut butter. But no one suggests that therefore peanut butter must be banned.

 

[soylentgreen]

I would support "option 2", which is also what the centrist ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS government is now planning.

After Austria's "Columbine" this week, they simply cannot do nothing ... and the attack has shown that some loopholes need to be closed.

Especially psychological data sharing between agencies such as from the army draft psychological assessment (which is very comprehensive) must be shared with psychologists and authorities that are issuing the firearm permits to private persons.

This is currently not the case, because of data privacy law. The shooter was ruled "unfit to serve" at 18 at the military draft, after a military psychologist evalued him. This was not shared with the authorities at 21, before he got his firearm licence and with another psychologist whose assessment was necessary to get the license.

Also, the age to get firearms in Austria is 18 for rifles and 21 for handguns. Maybe they will raise both ages to 22-26, because if they raise the age to 26, there would be no connection to high school anymore at this age and high school is often a terrible place with bullying etc.

Also, the psychological testing itself to get firearms (= required) is outdated: currently, it's a written test that is quite oldfashioned which reads "do you hear voices ?" and questions like that, which every person can pass. The government is now trying to reform this, so that a combination of several modern state-of-the-art tests will be used, also personal talks with psychologists, not just written tests.

Where in your link does it talk about options?

Considering that apparently austria has a strong hunting culture and thus the reason for why there is plentiful guns. Can you explain why hand guns are also so popular as it is normal to go hunting with rifles rather than a glock. Yet I have read that austrian often carry hand guns when hunting as well as rifles.

And then there is this laughable notion that a psychologist can somehow predict whether a person will be a criminal or a terrorist. If it were that easy then we would not have any crime at all because psychologists could tell us who is going to commit terrible acts with guns. Psychology is a soft science. They work on percentages not facts.

And this is the big question.
https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/90...in-austria-current-rules-and-growing-concerns

According to criminologists, this rise in privately owned firearms is tied to the subjective sense of security or lack thereof. A study by the Road Safety Board’s Property Protection Department conducted two years ago found that the primary motive for owning a weapon is to protect home and family.

The question is why are austrians so scared?
Rather than psychoanalyze peoples motive for a having a gun which the answer will always be influenced by the subjective opinion of the psychologist doing the analyse. Why are you not concentrating on what is making the people so fearful that they feel the need to buy a gun.


.

 

[Tender Branson]

Where in your link does it talk about options?

Considering that apparently austria has a strong hunting culture and thus the reason for why there is plentiful guns. Can you explain why hand guns are also so popular as it is normal to go hunting with rifles rather than a glock. Yet I have read that austrian often carry hand guns when hunting as well as rifles.

And then there is this laughable notion that a psychologist can somehow predict whether a person will be a criminal or a terrorist. If it were that easy then we would not have any crime at all because psychologists could tell us who is going to commit terrible acts with guns. Psychology is a soft science. They work on percentages not facts.

This is definitely true, as seen by the school shooting perpetrator this week. The military psychologist at his draft appearance at 18 ruled him mentally unfit to serve in the army.

Another psychiatrist at 21, in order to get his firearm license, ruled him no threat.

And this is the big question.
https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/90...in-austria-current-rules-and-growing-concerns

The question is why are austrians so scared?
Rather than psychoanalyze peoples motive for a having a gun which the answer will always be influenced by the subjective opinion of the psychologist doing the analyse. Why are you not concentrating on what is making the people so fearful that they feel the need to buy a gun.

A) many Austrians who get guns are afraid of crime in general (especially home invasions)

B) many are afraid of increasing illegal immigrants, causing more crime

C) many are afraid of Russia and the Chinese (who could invade Austria) and want to be ready

 

[Allan]

It's your country so, they have the power to take the issue to the electorate and proceed to follow the vote.

Guess who doesn't understand how the Austrian legislative process works.

 

[Absentglare]

Thread 'Ten dead in Austria school shooting.'

Jun 10, 2025

BBC thread:

Ten dead in Austria school shooting​

Ten dead in Austria school shooting, including suspect, Graz mayor says - live updates

Students and at least one adult are among the dead, Graz Mayor Elke Kahr tells Austria's APA news agency.

www.bbc.com

Apparently a former high school student from that school ...

• Tender Branson
• Replies: 37
• Forum: Breaking News

• 

I’m just glad they can discuss it like adults instead of having the entire conversation drowned out by dumb, violent, brainwashed loons.

 

[soylentgreen]

This is definitely true, as seen by the school shooting perpetrator this week. The military psychologist at his draft appearance at 18 ruled him mentally unfit to serve in the army.

Another psychiatrist at 21, in order to get his firearm license, ruled him no threat.

Then quite obviously a psychological assessment of anyone who wants to buy a gun is a waste of time for everyone.

A) many Austrians who get guns are afraid of crime in general (especially home invasions)

Are you prepared to offer any statistics to back up the fear or is this like america where stupidity and propaganda are a bigger influence in creating fear than the crime itself.
https://criminologysymposium.com/do...1c4/1531986642251/WED24_Armin_Kaltenegger.pdf

 Residential burglary belongs to the top 5 criminal offences Criminal reports are in decline since 2009

B) many are afraid of increasing illegal immigrants, causing more crime

Again brought on by a propaganda of fear or is there any evidence to back it.
Some factors as to why immigrants end up on the wrong side of the law.

Police practices, such as racial profiling,
Possible discrimination by the judicial system
Unfavorable bail and sentencing decisions
Non-immigrants may be more likely to report crimes when they believe the offender has an immigrant background.
Imprisonment for migration offenses,
Some immigrants might disproportionately locate in deprived areas where crime is higher

https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/62992/german-study-immigration-does-not-raise-crime-rate
A new study by a top German economic policy institute has confirmed the academic consensus: There is no correlation between increased migration and a rise in crime — despite the political debate.

C) many are afraid of Russia and the Chinese (who could invade Austria) and want to be ready

Right because a gun is really effective against a missile. Why the **** would the chinese attack austria.

 

[Tender Branson]

Then quite obviously a psychological assessment of anyone who wants to buy a gun is a waste of time for everyone.


Are you prepared to offer any statistics to back up the fear or is this like america where stupidity and propaganda are a bigger influence in creating fear than the crime itself.
https://criminologysymposium.com/do...1c4/1531986642251/WED24_Armin_Kaltenegger.pdf



Again brought on by a propaganda of fear or is there any evidence to back it.
Some factors as to why immigrants end up on the wrong side of the law.

https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/62992/german-study-immigration-does-not-raise-crime-rate
A new study by a top German economic policy institute has confirmed the academic consensus: There is no correlation between increased migration and a rise in crime — despite the political debate.


Right because a gun is really effective against a missile. Why the **** would the chinese attack austria.

Immigrants (like after the 2015 invasion here) definitely increase certain types of crimes, such as homicide or rape. This has been proven here. The fact that crime fell overall, has to do with other areas of crime.

And I wasn't talking about the Russians or Chinese firing missiles to Austria, but actually coming here and invading - in which case you could use a firearm in your home to protect your family and self.

But in this case, we have bigger problems anyway ...

 

[JoeyJoystick]

Thread 'Ten dead in Austria school shooting.'

Jun 10, 2025

BBC thread:

Ten dead in Austria school shooting​

Ten dead in Austria school shooting, including suspect, Graz mayor says - live updates

Students and at least one adult are among the dead, Graz Mayor Elke Kahr tells Austria's APA news agency.

www.bbc.com

Apparently a former high school student from that school ...

• Tender Branson
• Replies: 37
• Forum: Breaking News

• 

Hi Branson,

I too Voted option 2.

Strict rules including evaluation. But also periodic re-evaluation. But people should still be able to keep a collection on the wall or go to a range. Just under much stricter rules. Not all guns. Not all people. Never a license for life. And NEVER in the streets.


Joey

 

[JoeyJoystick]

I also think that police should be able to enter your house to check if all your firearms/ammo is stored away safely - every year.

Currently, the police is only coming every 5 years here in Austria to gun owners, to check if firearms/ammo is stored away safely in a locked room or safe.

Verwahrung von Schusswaffen

www.oesterreich.gv.at

Hi Branson,

A friend of mine in Holland owned a firearm. He told me that in Holland they can come and check un-announced. This is many years ago though. As a concept, I like that, but very specifically to only see where and how firearm(s) and ammunition are kept. This could be done in less than 5 minutes, and there does not have to be any further intrusion into your private life. It is something I am strongly against, but if it is this specific, I can live with that I think.

Joey

 

[soylentgreen]

Immigrants (like after the 2015 invasion here) definitely increase certain types of crimes, such as homicide or rape. This has been proven here. The fact that crime fell overall, has to do with other areas of crime.

By whom was it proven? Gossip magazines? Far right christian conservatives perhaps. Germany has the same problem with migrants and most probably the same results.
https://www.infomigrants.net/en/pos...cts-about-the-dark-side-of-the-refugee-crisis

Official crime statistics in Germany do confirm an increase of nearly 13 percent in sexual assault and rape cases in 2016 compared to the previous year – with 9.2 percent of the overall number of assailants reported as Syrian nationals and 8.6 percent as Afghan nationals. In total, 38.8 percent of those convicted of sexual assault and rape were reported as non-German nationals. This means that roughly 4 out of 10 sexual assaults and rape cases each year are committed by foreigners in Germany. Before the refugee crisis, that ratio was 3 out of 10.

Experts agree, however, that another important factor is the willingness on part of assault victims to report these crimes. Professor Jörg Kinzig, Director of the Institute for Criminology in Tübingen tells Germany's DPA news agency, that assault and rape victims are more willing to report these crimes to the police if the perpetrator is perceived as foreign.

"Locals are reported to the police less frequently, because there's a greater amount of fear toward foreigners," he said. It is therefore not clear to what extent this rise in sexual transgressions may be a matter of statistical records being skewed to one side.

Meaning more rapes are caused by local people while on the other hand more rapes where an immagrent is involved are reported.
Again, fear seems to be the basis for your beliefs rather than facts.

And I wasn't talking about the Russians or Chinese firing missiles to Austria, but actually coming here and invading - in which case you could use a firearm in your home to protect your family and self.

Yeah because russians would never just bomb a place they always send in an army. Just as they are not doing in ukraine. And again, what the **** makes you think china has any interest in staring a war in the middle of europe. Yours is a land locked country. How could or would chinese by pass other countries to invade you. And again I ask, what for?

But in this case, we have bigger problems anyway ...

True you have a country full of paranoid fantasies about being attacked by china.

 

[JoeyJoystick]

I said I always oppose further restrictions. That's not entirely true. There was a time when I background checks and possibly registration didn't sound like bad ideas to me. The problem is that process was turned into a black box for the purpose of prohibiting guns in multiple US cities. The requirements to clear a background check were ambiguous, and local governments would simply refuse to register weapons. So it was a de facto ban, and now I'm not on board with it anymore.

Hi Rock,

So it is not the concept you disagree with, but the implementation of it. Worse, the different implementation in different cities.

And though we are on opposing sides here, I do completely agree with you that it is wrong what they did. Both parties do it all the time, but people should look at intent and not constantly try to find a way to bend it such that it suits them better, becaue that was not the intent.


Joey

 

[JoeyJoystick]

And then there is this laughable notion that a psychologist can somehow predict whether a person will be a criminal or a terrorist. If it were that easy then we would not have any crime at all because psychologists could tell us who is going to commit terrible acts with guns. Psychology is a soft science. They work on percentages not facts.

Hi Soy,

No, they can not predict that, but I rather ask a psychologist than a carpenter or baker about a person's state of mind. So let's ask him anyways.


Joey

 

[Infinite Chaos]

I said I always oppose further restrictions. That's not entirely true. There was a time when I background checks and possibly registration didn't sound like bad ideas to me. The problem is that process was turned into a black box for the purpose of prohibiting guns in multiple US cities. The requirements to clear a background check were ambiguous, and local governments would simply refuse to register weapons. So it was a de facto ban, and now I'm not on board with it anymore.

Some things should be outside of politics. In the UK, it's the police that make those decisions based on their checks of safe storage and any history of crime.

 

[soylentgreen]

Hi Soy,

No, they can not predict that, but I rather ask a psychologist than a carpenter or baker about a person's state of mind. So let's ask him anyways.


Joey

You might as well ask for the opinion of anyone as psychiatry does not give a person a magical ability to understand another simply by asking a few questions. Psychology deals in statistical information not some idealised image of a person trained to know what others think. Psychiatrists would only be making a guess that is as good as a guess you might get from a carpenter or baker.
The point is that getting a psych evaluation of a person before giving them a gun would be a complete waste of time and have no more certainty than if you asked a carpenter or baker their opinion.

 

[JoeyJoystick]

You might as well ask for the opinion of anyone as psychiatry does not give a person a magical ability to understand another simply by asking a few questions. Psychology deals in statistical information not some idealised image of a person trained to know what others think. Psychiatrists would only be making a guess that is as good as a guess you might get from a carpenter or baker.
The point is that getting a psych evaluation of a person before giving them a gun would be a complete waste of time and have no more certainty than if you asked a carpenter or baker their opinion.

Hi Soy,

Yes, listening to someone who has no clue what he is talking about is a waste of time. I think I should listen to you more. Why would I want to listen to people who study in University for 6+ years. I better listen to someone who has been reading the Tom & Jerry Chronicle, such as yourself.

Joey