New Zealand bans military-style semi-automatic assault rifles after Christchurch mosque attacks
Under the new law, expected to be in place by April 11, the country will also see a ban on assault rifles, high capacity magazines, and certain modification parts
New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday announced a nationwide ban on military-style semi-automatic assault rifles in the wake of the Christchurch mosque attacks. The decision was taken within a week after 50 people were massacred by a gunman who opened fire in two mosques last Friday.
Under the new law, the country will also ban assault rifles, high capacity magazines, and certain gun modification parts, according to reports.
"In short, every semi-automatic weapon used in the terrorist attack on Friday will be banned in this country," the prime minister said. "We are confident as a government that the vast majority of New Zealanders will support this change."