New Zealand government promises gun law changes soon

New Zealand’s Prime Minister says her government will act quickly to change gun laws in the aftermath of the Mosque killings in Christchurch.

Fifty people were killed when a gunman opened fire Friday with weapons he had bought legally. The gunman had five firearms — two semi-automatic weapons, two shotguns and a lever-action firearm.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says a ban of semi-automatic weapons is among her considerations.

“As soon as New Zealanders hear that someone was legally able to acquire, as I’m advised, those weapons and carry out this event, that will raise enormous questions with our gun laws, and that is why we will respond swiftly.”

– Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern

The 28 year old man accused in the shootings was not on any security watchlist.

Related: Death Toll Reaches 50 in New Zealand Mosque Attacks

More than 30 people wounded in the attacks remain in hospital, 11 of them in critical condition. Their injuries range from superficial injuries to the head, abdomen and chest. Many will require multiple treatments to deal with their complex injuries

Facebook has removed 1.5 million video copies of the attack. It is also removing all edited versions that do not show graphic content, out of respect for the people affected by the tragedy.