NZ Bans Assault Rifles, All Christchurch Attack Victims Identified

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meets representatives of the Muslim community, Saturday, 16 March, at the Canterbury Refugee Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand.

(Photo: AP)

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush, on Thursday 21 March said that all the 50 victims of the Christchurch mosque shooting have been identified. Earlier in the day, PM Jacinda Ardern announced an immediate ban on the sale of assault rifles and semi-automatics in response to the Christchurch terror attack that killed 50 people.

"I can say that as of a few minutes ago the identification process for all 50 victims has been completed and all of the next of kin have been advised," commissioner Mike Bush said.

“That is a landmark for this process.” 

Mike Bush, Commissioner, New Zealand Police

Immediate Ban on Assault Rifles and Semi-Automatic Guns

"I am announcing that New Zealand will ban all military-style semi-automatic weapons. We will also ban all assault rifles," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, 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," she said.

(This is a developing story)

(Published in an arrangement with PTI)