"The mere fact... that this individual had acquired a gun licence and acquired weapons of that range, then obviously I think people will be seeking change, and I'm committing to that," she said. Anyone over 16 can apply for a New Zealand firearms licence, valid for 10 years after completing a safety course and a police background check. Separate "endorsements" are required to own semi-automatic weapons like those used in Friday's attack, as well as pistols and other restricted weapons. Ardern noted the failure of several earlier attempts to reform gun laws and said a ban on semi-automatic weapons would be considered. A 1997 police review of gun laws called for such a ban, but attempts to update the Arms Act since 1992 have stalled in parliament.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 16, 2019 03:11 UTC