New Zealand Cabinet Backs Stricter Gun-Control Laws Three Days After Attack
NIPPED IN THE BUD
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her cabinet have agreed to pass gun-control legislation three days after a terrorist attack on two mosques left 50 people dead. “This ultimately means that within 10 days of this horrific act of terrorism we will have announced reforms which will, I believe, make our community safer,” she said Monday, adding: “We have made a decision as a cabinet, we are unified.” Winston Peters, a coalition partner who previously opposed gun-control restrictions, said his party has changed its mind. “The reality is that after 1 p.m. on Friday, our world changed forever and so will our laws.” Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, has been charged with murder. Police say he used military-style assault weapons modified to make them more deadly for the attack—all of which is legal under current laws. No specific details were given by the prime minister at her Monday press conference, but she said they would made clear soon. She also announced that an inquiry would look into the lead-up to the attacks.