New Zealanders ‘panic buying guns’ after PM vowed to toughen law in the wake of Christchurch mosque massacre
NEW Zealanders are reportedly panic buying guns after the Prime Minister vowed to toughen law in the wake of Christchurch mosque massacre.
According to Facebook group Kiwi Gun Blog, Kiwis were rushing to snap up semi-automatic weapons, ammunition and magazines around the country on Saturday.
The frenzy was repeated in brick and mortar stores as well, according to Kiwi investigative website Newsroom.co.nz.
New Zealand allows ownership of assault rifles that are banned in countries such as Australia and the UK.
Even the Christchurch branch of Gun City – a prolific chain in New Zealand – was busy on Saturday, with people buying guns and equipment.
Only a day after the attack, and shortly after the PM took a strong stance for changing gun laws the admin of the Kiwi Gun Blog posted: “How are sales in the shops today? Jacinda may be salesman of the year.”
One commenter, who seemed to operate as a firearms re-seller, responded: “I’m flat out selling semi-autos, magazines and ammo.”
Another posted: “Gonna have to get me an ar-15 before they’re gone.”
RUSH TO BUY ASSAULT RIFLES
Another Auckland gun shop owner recorded a significant increase in sales of semi-automatic weapons as well, according to the website.
The owner told Newsroom the phone ran off the hook with enquires about semi-automatics, including pricing and stock available.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said at a press conference early on Saturday that she would consider banning semi-automatic firearms altogether.
It was a move applauded by reality television star Kim Kardashian, who pointed out the stark contrast to America’s response to multiple mass shootings.
She tweeted: “New Zealand allows ownership of semi-automatic guns, often described as assault rifles, that are banned in countries such as Australia and the UK.”
The man accused of the killings, self-described white supremacist Brenton Harrison Tarrant, reportedly had five guns in the car he drove between the shootings.
TERRORIST BOUGHT GUNS LEGALLY
All of the guns are believed to have been purchased legally, although a number of illegal alterations had reportedly been made.
Ardern said: “I can tell you one thing right now: our gun laws will change.
“There have been attempts to change our laws in 2005, 2012 and after an inquiry in 2017. Now is the time for change.”
Tarrant held a basic New Zealand gun licence.
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The guns taken from the alleged perpetrator included two semi-automatic guns and two shotguns, the prime minister said.
Guns can be bought online and anyone aged 16 with an entry-level licence can possess them.
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