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New Zealand citizens open to gun reform after massacre

The New Zealand leader's promise of tightened gun laws in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings has been widely welcomed by a stunned population

Ian Britton walks into a gun shop in Christchurch, New Zealand, Sunday, March 17, 2019. Gun ownership in New Zealand is being discussed after a mass shooting at two area mosques. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Ian Britton walks into a gun shop in Christchurch, New Zealand, Sunday, March 17, 2019. Gun ownership in New Zealand is being discussed after a mass shooting at two area mosques. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)Read moreMark Baker / AP
    by Associated Press, The Associated Press
    Published 

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — The New Zealand leader's promise of tightened gun laws in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings has been widely welcomed by a stunned population.

Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern said her Cabinet will consider the details of the change on Monday. She has said options include a ban on private ownership of semi-automatic rifles that were used with devastating effect in Christchurch and a government-funded buyback of newly outlawed guns.

Christchurch gun owner Max Roberts predicted Ardern won't face serious opposition to her in-principle agenda.

Elliot Dawson survived the shooting at Christchurch's Linwood mosque by hiding in a bathroom. She hopes New Zealand follows Australia's lead on gun control.

Australia’s virtual ban on private ownership of semi-automatic rifles cut the size of the country’s civilian arsenal by almost a third.