Yahoo News New Zealand PM announces immediate ban on ‘military-style’ weapons following deadly mosques attacks
After the deadly terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand’s prime minister has announced an immediate ban on sales of “military-style” semi-automatic and automatic weapons.
Jacinda Ardern’s announcement comes less than a week after 50 people were killed in the attacks, as more victims were being buried.
She said: “Every semi-automatic weapon used in the terrorist attack on Friday will be banned.”
Ms Ardern also said she and the Cabinet would work through legal exemptions to the ban, such as for farmers needing to cull their herds but said any exemptions would be “tightly regulated”.
“For other dealers, sales should essentially now cease. My expectation is that these weapons will now be returned to your suppliers and never enter into the New Zealand market again,” she said.
One of New Zealand’s largest gun retailers, Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, said it supports “any government measure to permanently ban such weapons”.
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Chief executive Darren Jacobs said in a statement: ”While we have sold them in the past to a small number of customers, last week’s events have forced a reconsideration that has led us to believe such weapons of war have no place in our business – or our country.”
Regardless of the ban, the company would no longer stock any assault-style firearms of any category and would also stop selling firearms online, he said.
Polly Collins, 64, of Christchurch, was thrilled to hear of Ms Ardern’s announcement as she visited a flower memorial for the victims.
“The prime minister is amazing,” she said.
“It’s not like in America, where they have all these things and then they go ‘Oh yeah, we’ll deal with the gun laws,’ and nothing’s done.”
At least six funerals took place for victims of the attacks on Thursday, including for a teenager and a youth football coach.
Families of those killed had been awaiting word on when they could bury their loved ones.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said all 50 victims had been identified as of Thursday and their families were being notified.
Investigators also were trying to conclude their work at the two mosques.
Australian Brenton Harrison Tarrant has been charged with murder, while officials said more charges against him are likely.
