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New Zealand Has Banned Semi-Automatic Weapons

New Zealand Has Banned Semi-Automatic Weapons

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says military style weapons and their components won't be able to be sold or used in her country.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Just six days after the devastating and horrific terror attack in Christchurch, the New Zealand government has worked swiftly to ban semi-automatic weapons.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has announced military style weapons, like the ones used in Friday's attack that left 50 people dead, will no longer be allowed in her country.

Semi-automatic weapons, assault rifles, high capacity magazines, and parts that can convert guns into military style weapons are included in the ban.

In the days after the attack, more than 70,000 people signed a petition calling for action on gun legislation.

Mrs Ardern said: "On March 15 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.

Mrs Ardern announcing the weapons ban.
PA

"Cabinet agreed to overhaul the law when it met on Monday, 72 hours after the horrific terrorism act in Christchurch.

"Now, six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles in New Zealand.

"Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines.

"To owners who have legitimate uses for their guns, I want to reiterate that the actions being announced today are not because of you, and are not directed at you. Our actions, on behalf of all New Zealanders, are directed at making sure this never happens again."

The Prime Minister added that people who use MSSAs for pest control or in sport will be allowed to keep them under special measures.

An AR-15 semi-automatic weapon.
PA

New Zealand gun owners have already started giving back their weapons in the wake of last week's attack. The country's police service says dozens of firearms had been turned in, according to the Guardian.

The police force issued a statement saying: "Anybody wanting to surrender their firearms to police is welcome to do so.

"You can contact your local police station or your local arms officer to get advice on the safe transport of the firearm to police. This will also enable our staff to be aware of your arrival ahead of time."

In a display of affection for their common man, gang members attached to the Waitkato Mongrel Mob pledged to stand outside the Jamia Masjid Mosque in Hamilton tomorrow to ensure worshippers are protected.

Gang president Sonny Fatu told Stuff: "We will support and assist our Muslim brothers and sisters for however long they need us.

He said members will only be armed with a message that hate, intolerance and violence won't be accepted.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: New Zealand, News, weapons, Terrorist