New Zealand bans ‘military-style’ guns after attacks
New Zealand imposed an immediate ban on assault weapons on Thursday, taking swift action in response to the Christchurch massacres and prompting renewed calls from leading politicians for curbs in the United States, the Agence France-Presse reported.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said assault rifles and militarystyle semi-automatic weapons would be banned with immediate effect, making good on a pledge to ensure that nothing like last week’s slaughter of 50 people ever occurs in the Pacific nation again.
The killings by an Australian white supremacist have caused national soul-searching over New Zealand’s lax gun laws.
But the tough crackdown promises to have political repercussions beyond the country’s shores, including in the United States where gun control is one of the most divisive political issues, AFP said.
“In short, every semi-automatic weapon used in the terrorist attack on Friday will be banned in this country,” Ardern said.
She added that high-capacity magazines and devices similar to bump stocks — which allow users to fire weapons faster — will also be banned.
Proponents of gun control in the US and around the world praised the move and denounced the US pro-gun lobby on social media, while US gun supporters defended their constitutional right to bear arms, AFP said.
“This is what real action to stop gun violence looks like,” tweeted Senator Bernie Sanders, a Democratic candidate for president.
“We must follow New Zealand’s lead, take on the NRA (National Rifle Association) and ban the sale and distribution of assault weapons in the United States.”
Alleged shooter Brenton Tarrant livestreamed the carnage in realtime, and the horrific scenes have heightened global concern over access to guns and the use of social media by extremists.
New Zealand’s steps include interim measures to prevent any rush to purchase guns before legislation is enacted and effectively outlaw all such weapons already in private possession.
“The effect of this will mean that no one will be able to buy these weapons without a permit to procure from the police. I can assure people that there is no point in applying for such a permit,” Ardern said.
For the guns already out there, Ardern announced a buyback scheme that will cost between $69 million and $139 million, depending on the number of weapons received and valuations.
“The vast majority of New Zealanders will support this change. I feel incredibly confident of that,” she said.
Simon Bridges, leader of the opposition National Party, embraced the ban, pledging to “work constructively” with the government.
Polly Collins, 64, of Christchurch, was thrilled to hear of Ardern’s announcement as she visited a flower memorial for the victims.
“The prime minister is amazing,” she told The Associated Press. “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.”