New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that all military-style semi-automatic weapons, assault rifles, and high-capacity magazines are now banned in New Zealand following the tragic mass shootings at two Christchurch mosques that claimed the lives of 50 people.
During a press conference in the capital Wellington, Ardern said, “On 15 March our history changed forever. Now, our laws will too. We are announcing action today on behalf of all New Zealanders to strengthen our gun laws and make our country a safer place.” She continued, “Every semi-automatic weapon used in the terror attack on Friday will be banned. This legislation will be drafted and introduced in urgency.”
The decision to ban the weapons was mad just 72 hours after the attack, but Ardern hopes the law will be in place by April 11th.
According to CNN, the gun reform proposal will be introduced to Parliament the first week of April, and for it to go into effect, lawmakers need to vote on amending the existing legislation, the Arms Act 1983. That will result in many people who legally owned certain rifle types will no longer be able to possess them on their existing license conditions.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said gun drops would be set up at police stations so citizens can safely hand in their guns.
Source: Baller Alert