New Zealand bans semi-automatic assault rifles after mosque shootings

Updated Date: 3/21/2019

Category: Crime News

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she expects new laws to be in place by April 11 and a buy-back scheme introduced for banned weapons.

New Zealand will ban military style semi-automatic and assault rifles under tough new gun laws following the killing of 50 people in the country s worst mass shooting, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday.

Ms. Ardern said she expects the new laws to be in place by April 11 and buy-back scheme will be established for banned weapons.

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

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