New Zealand banned the sale of semi-automatic and assault rifles Thursday after 50 people were killed at two mosques in the country with the weapons.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the ban — and measures to stop rush purchases of the weapons — six days after the anti-Muslim attacks at the houses of worship in Christchurch.

The ban will be followed by legislation, which will be introduced by April 11, she said.

The accused white supremacist gunman, Brenton Tarrant, 28, purchased his weapons legally and enhanced their capacity using 30-round magazines.

The ban will include high-capacity magazines and bump stocks, which make rifles faster.

“In short, every semi-automatic weapon used in the terrorist attack on Friday will be banned in this country,” Ardern said.

Buy-back programs will be set up for the banned guns, she added.

New York Post

BDST: 1029 HRS, MAR 21, 2019
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