Semi-automatic AR-15鈥檚 are for sale at Good Guys Guns & Range on February 15, 2018, in Orem, Utah. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced an immediate ban on the sale of assault rifles and semi-automatics Thursday, March 21, 2019, in a muscular response to the Christchurch terror attack that killed 50 people. AFP
WELLINGTON, New Zealand 鈥� New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced an immediate ban on the sale of assault rifles and semi-automatics Thursday in a muscular response to the Christchurch terror attack that killed 50 people.
鈥淭oday, I am announcing that New聽Zealand will ban all military-style semi-automatic weapons. We will also ban all assault rifles,鈥� Ardern said, while announcing interim measures that will stop a rush of purchases before legislation is enacted.
鈥淭he effect of this will聽mean that no one will be able to buy聽these weapons without a permit to procure from the police. I can聽assure people that there is no point聽in applying for such a permit,鈥� she said.
She added that high capacity magazines and devices similar to bump stocks 鈥� which make rifles fire faster 鈥� will also be banned.
鈥淚n short,聽every semi-automatic weapon used in聽the terrorist attack on Friday will聽be banned in this country,鈥� she said.
For the guns that are still out there, Ardern announced a buyback scheme that will cost between Nz$100 million and $200 million (between US$69 million and $139 million), depending on the number of weapons received.
To 鈥渢he current owners of聽the weapons we have moved to ban, I acknowledge that many of you will聽have acted within the law,鈥� Ardern said.
鈥淚n聽recognition of that and to聽incentivize their return, we will be establishing a buyback scheme.鈥�
Anyone who keeps the guns after an amnesty period will face fines of up to $4,000 and three聽years鈥� in jail.
Ardern brushed aside suggestions of opposition to the ban.
鈥淭he vast聽majority of New Zealanders will聽support this change. I feel incredibly confident of that,鈥� she said. /cbb