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New Zealand's gun control laws will be strengthened following the mbadacre of 49 people in Christchurch's mosques, the prime minister said.
Jacinda Ardern said at a press conference Saturday morning that she would consider banning semi-automatic firearms completely after the alleged gunman reportedly got five guns legally. .
"I can tell you one thing now: our firearms laws will change," said Ardern. "There have been attempts to change our laws in 2005, 2012 and after a survey in 2017. The time has come to change."
Ardern stated that the alleged gunman had used five weapons that he appeared to legally own under a "Category A" license obtained in November 2017. He appeared to have started buying firearms the following month. , she said.
Among the weapons seized from the alleged perpetrator, there were two semi-automatic weapons and two hunting rifles, said the prime minister. In response to reporters' questions, Ardern said all options to limit gun violence would be examined.
New Zealand allows the possession of semi-automatic weapons often described as "badault rifles", banned in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom. Firearms can be purchased online and anyone under the age of 16 with an entry-level license may own one.
The Prime Minister said Saturday morning that she had received "messages of condolence from around the world" and international leaders, including Donald Trump, the US president, criticized for her hostility toward Muslims.
"He was anxious that his condolences be pbaded on to New Zealand," said Ardern. "He asked what support the United States could provide. My message was sympathy and love for all Muslim communities. "
When asked how Trump responded, Ardern replied, "He acknowledged and accepted."
Four people were arrested as a result of the attack and one was released afterwards. Arden stated that this person was an armed member of the public who was trying to help the police on the scene.
An Australian in his twenties has been charged with murder and is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. Arden followed law enforcement by not naming himself or two other suspects interviewed.
A 28-year-old Australian, Brenton Tarrant, identified himself as being behind the attack.
Ardern described the main suspect as having visited New Zealand "sporadically" during international travel. "They were not residents of Christchurch," she said.
The investigators reportedly attempted to determine whether the other two arrested were involved in the attacks.
Ardern said that although New Zealand's intelligence services have recently stepped up their surveillance of far-right extremists, the alleged gunman has not attracted the attention of the security forces. order and had no criminal record.
The prime minister said that she had asked the authorities to review the media content of the main suspect and other evidence regarding any item "that should have triggered a response" from the police.
A total of 41 people were killed in a mosque on Deans Avenue, according to Ardern, and seven were killed in a mosque on Lynwood Avenue. One person died later in the hospital.
According to Mr. Ardern, more than 40 people injured in the shootings are being treated in hospitals, and two of them are still in critical condition. One of the injured people is a five year old girl.
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