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New Zealand Pledges To Change Gun Laws In Light Of Mosque Attacks

New Zealand Pledges To Change Gun Laws In Light Of Mosque Attacks

The country's Prime Minister has stated 'laws will change' following last week's attacks in Christchurch

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

New Zealand's Prime Minister has stated the country's gun laws will change following last week's attacks in Christchurch.

Speaking to press the day after the devastating incidents, the country's leading politician, Jacinda Ardern, has pledged to restrict the ownership of guns.

She said: "While work is being done as to the chain of events that lead to both the holding of this gun license and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now. Our gun laws will change."

This came less than 24 hours after two mosques were targeted in Christchurch last Friday, leaving 50 people dead.

New Zealand Prime Minister said gun laws will change.
PA

According to reports, Ardern's comments were backed by the country's attorney general, David Parker, who confirmed the country will ban the sale of semi-automatic rifles.

Taking to Twitter many others have backed the announcement.

One person wrote: "New Zealand has just banned semi-automatic weapons. Within 48 hours of the country's worst shooting. This is how it's done."

Referencing US gun laws, another said: " New Zealand Attorney General David Parker confirms at vigil that NZ government will ban semi-automatic guns."

Australian man Brenton Tarrant is still the only person to have been charged in connection with the attacks.

According to reports, Tarrant, 28, appeared in court on Saturday charged with murder and was remanded in custody until 5 April. It is understood there will be more charges to follow.

The whole community mourned the death of the 50 people.
PA

Since news of the heinous crimes broke, there has been an outpouring of emotion, with people coming out in support of those affected.

Andrew Graystone, from Levenshulme, England, decided to make the sweet gesture in his local community, standing outside a mosque with a sign pledging to protect those inside.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Andrew said: "I woke up on Friday morning and I heard the terrible news about the killings in the mosque in Christchurch in New Zealand.

"I began to think about how I would feel if I was a Muslim in Manchester going to Friday prayers today, perhaps feeling afraid or angry, and what small thing I could do to make a difference.

"You can either meet these things with either fear or friendship - that's the choice we have to make and in the end friendship wins."

His message read: "You are my friends. I will keep watch while you pray."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, Interesting, US News