The Austrian government has announced plans to strengthen its firearms legislation in response to a deadly school shooting in Graz, the country's second-largest city.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer revealed that the new measures will raise the minimum age for purchasing certain types of firearms from 21 to 25. The proposed reforms are part of a broader effort to prevent future tragedies and ensure stricter oversight of gun ownership.
Under the new regulations, the mandatory waiting period between the purchase of a firearm and its delivery will be extended from three days to four weeks. This cooling-off period aims to provide authorities more time to conduct necessary background checks and psychological evaluations.
The government also intends to place greater emphasis on mental health screening for potential gun buyers. Individuals seeking to acquire firearms will undergo more rigorous psychological assessments, with results shared between the armed forces and the national firearms regulatory authority.
The move comes after a recent school shooting shocked the nation and renewed calls for tighter gun control. The reforms are expected to reduce the risk of similar incidents and improve coordination between security institutions.
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