German Interior Minister Roman Poseck of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has called for a more comprehensive protection against “psychologically conspicuous and violent individuals” ahead of the Interior Ministers’ Conference, but does not see an immediate need for action on gun control or school safety following the Graz shooting in Austria.
In an interview with the news channel Welt, Poseck said that while Germany has also experienced tragic shooting incidents, including those at schools, the measures in place are already highly effective and the gun control laws have been repeatedly tightened in response to such events. He does not believe that there is an immediate need for legislative action, but will closely monitor the situation in Austria.
Hesse is currently discussing a ban on weapons at schools, Poseck said, adding that the state’s education minister is actively involved in the discussion, which he finds reasonable, as weapons have no place in schools. However, he does not believe that turning schools into high-security facilities would be the right approach, as it would take away from the schools’ character and have negative consequences.
It is essential that schools prepare for emergency situations, including simulated drills for potential mass shooting scenarios, Poseck emphasized. Such drills are already taking place and the police and schools are working together to prepare for such events, he said.
Ultimately, it is crucial to have a balance between security and the freedom to live in a society, Poseck noted, adding that the state’s primary responsibility is to ensure the highest level of security possible, while acknowledging that absolute security is not achievable. The minister expressed his willingness to discuss ways to better address the threat of psychologically conspicuous and violent individuals, citing the example of the Magdeburg Christmas market attack, which was carried out by an individual with a known mental health issue.