Why Austria Has Some of the Most Relaxed Gun Ownership Laws in Europe

A school shooting in Graz, Austria left at least nine people dead and 12 injured Tuesday, prompting renewed attention to the country’s relatively permissive gun laws.

The attack marks Austria’s deadliest mass shooting in its postwar history and the first major incident of its kind since 2020.

Authorities said the suspected gunman, who was found dead at the scene, used two firearms that were legally registered under a valid license. Local media has reported that the suspect was a former student, aged 22.