AMO run in Graz: Gun rights under sharp criticism!

AMO run in Graz: Gun rights under sharp criticism!

A shocking killing spree at a school in Graz re -lit up the political and social debates in Austria. A 21-year-old shot nine young people and a teacher, while eleven more people were injured. The perpetrator committed suicide at the scene of the crime, and the exact motives for his cruel deed have so far remained unclear. Such incidents inevitably raise questions about the security and appropriateness of the current weapons law. According to LZ , a National Security Council has already been convened in Vienna to analyze the background of the amo run.

In the course of this debate, the Greens and the Communists in particular called for a tightening of weapons right. In contrast, the FPÖ speaks against such measures and sees them "pure symbolic policy". In recent years, the number of firearms in Austrian private households has increased, which has triggered concern for many people. A survey of OTS shows that 59% of the population reject private weapons.

The Graz weapons law and its consequences

The gunman legally had a shotgun and a fist firearm and had only trained in a shooting club three months before the crime. In Austria, approval is required for the acquisition of fist fir weapons, while shotguns and rifles can be used relatively unproblematic. Graz Mayor Elke Kahr and a member of the Greens are advocating a weapons ban for private individuals, while Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen questions the appropriateness of the current weapons law.

The further survey shows that women in particular worry about increasing crime and therefore want to have a weapon in the house. 43% of women state that their fear of crime motivates them to acquire weapons, while 34% of men lead the protection of the family as a reason. Almost 25% of the respondents see crises an opportunity to possess a weapon. Interestingly, a large part of the gun owners feel safer with a weapon in the house, while 68% of the population does not have a firearm and see no reason for it.

political opinions and social attitudes

The firearm ownership in Austria has accumulated political resistance for several years. The survey shows that 86% of the respondents support control over weapons. In the political landscape, however, opinions are divided: While 50% of the respondents who locate themselves to the right of the middle support their gun ownership, 74% of the left -wing respondents reject this. The FPÖ warns of a general suspicion of unplugated citizens and sees the planned measures as not expedient.

The tragedy of the killing spree is recognized in a memorial service in the Vienna St. Stephen's Cathedral, in which the top of the state will also be present. It remains to be seen whether the incident will lead to a fundamental reassessment of the weapons right and which specific steps will be undertaken in the National Council.