New Zealand PM Ardern announces ban on sale of assault, semi-automatic rifles post Christchurch mosque attack

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Thursday an immediate ban on the sale of assault rifles and semi-automatics.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. (Photo | AP)

New Delhi: In a major announcement, in the wake of the horrific Christchurch terror attack in which a gunman killed 50 people praying inside mosque, New Zealand PM Jacqina Ardern imposed an immediate ban on the sale of assault rifles. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacqina Ardern announced on Thursday an immediate ban on the sale of assault rifles and semi-automatics, news agency AFP reported. "I am announcing that New Zealand will ban all military-style semi-automatic weapons. We will also ban all assault rifles," Ardern was quoted as saying while announcing interim measures that will stop a rush of purchases before legislation on the measures takes effect. She added that high capacity magazines and devices similar to bump stocks - which make rifles fire faster - will also be banned. "In short, every semi-automatic weapon used in the terrorist attack on Friday will be banned in this country," AFP quoted Ardern. Seven Indians including a woman were among the 50 people killed in the Christchurch terror attacks when a white supremacist opened fire at two mosques full of worshipers attending Friday prayers in New Zealand. The mass shooting took place in the Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and the Linwood Mosque in the city's outer suburb on Friday. The attacker, identified by authorities as Australia-born Brenton Tarrant, 28, reportedly targeted immigrants during Friday prayers. Witnesses said victims were shot at close range.