Jump To Details Of New Zealand Gun Laws
New Zealand's gun laws read like an American gun control advocate's wish list - yet they failed to stop this despicable crime. At this point we do not know exactly what kind of weapon was used, but some reports indicate that a fully automatic machine gun was used. These weapons are virtually banned in New Zealand. We do not know where or how the weapons used were obtained. Until we know how this evil excuse for a person obtained the firearms, common sense should indicate that we not jump to any conclusions.
Edit: Current information indicates that the subject in custody legally owned the firearms used in the attack. This means that authorities not only granted this man the highest level of firearms license, but failed to revoke it. Given the extensive background checks that are supposed to be done before such a license is issued, serious questions should be asked.
Carl DeMaio, Chairman of Reform California, put it well, “New Zealand has the kinds of gun control laws that liberals propose for the U.S, but laws don't ban EVIL and HATE. Evil and hate only combated by what we teach our children and how we treat each other.”
I say, "Amen to that!" Whatever our differences, mass murder is simply unacceptable. We all should pray for all those affected, and we should indeed seek ways to prevent these attacks in the future. That said, the root problem is hate. Even if firearms were completely unavailable, other weapons, such as explosives - which are easier to make than you think - could and have been used. However, if we focus upon identifying and stopping the person bent on carrying out such attacks, the attacks can be stopped no matter what the intended weapon is.
We also should consider that armed civilians can stop such attacks, and indeed may have done so in this case. Politico reports that, "The second attack took place at the Linwood mosque about 3 miles away. Mark Nichols told the New Zealand Herald that he heard about five gunshots and that a worshipper returned fire with a rifle or shotgun." This person may not come forward because a New Zealand firearms license does not allow you to keep a firearm for self defense or defense of others.
Additional information: It appears much more certain that the second attack was ended when the attacker(s) were faced with armed resistance. from the New Zealand Herald:
'A second shooting happened at a mosque in the Linwood area of the city. One Friday prayer goer returned fire with a rifle or shotgun. Witnesses said they heard multiple gunshots around 1.45pm. A well known Muslim local chased the shooters and fired two shots at them as they sped off. He was heard telling police officers he was firing in "self defence".'
New Zealand's laws are much more restrictive than US Federal laws, most state laws - and in many ways more restrictive than laws in states like New York and California. However, I predict that no matter how these firearms were obtained, gun control advocates will use this horrible attack to justify more restrictive laws in New Zealand and the US.
New Zealand Gun Laws:
There is no civil right to own a firearm in New Zealand. There is no law similar to the 2nd Amendment.
All firearms owners are required to be licensed.
Applicants for a firearm licences must pass a background check of criminal and medical records. Factors like mental health, addiction and domestic violence are considered.
Police have the discretion to deny a license to anyone whom they believe to be unfit. They need not justify their opinion before denying the person the legal right to own ANY firearm.
A valid reason must be established for firearms possession. These include sport/target shooting, hunting and collecting.
Self-defense is not considered a valid reason for firearms ownership.
Safe/secure storage laws are in effect.
Ownership of military style semi-automatics requires a special license (one of the highest levels of licenses). A typical gun license does not permit you to own such firearms.
In addition, each one of these "military style" firearms must be registered.
Pistols also require the same level of highly restricted licenses.
Sources:
Wikipedia
BBC
Newsweek
Politico
New Zealand Herald
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