<p>New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced an immediate ban on the sale of assault rifles and semi-automatics Thursday in a muscular response to the Christchurch terror attack that killed 50 people.</p>.<p>"Today I am announcing that New Zealand will ban all military-style semi-automatic weapons. We will also ban all assault rifles," Ardern said while announcing interim measures that will stop a rush of purchases before legislation is enacted.</p>.<p>"The effect of this will mean that no one will be able to buy these weapons without a permit to procure from the police. I can assure people that there is no point in applying for such a permit," she said.</p>.<p>She added that high capacity magazines and devices similar to bump stocks -- which make rifles fire faster -- will also be banned.</p>.<p>"In short, every semi-automatic weapon used in the terrorist attack on Friday will be banned in this country," she said.</p>.<p>For the guns that are still out there, Ardern announced a buyback scheme that will cost between Nz$100 million and $200 million (between US$69 million and $139 million), depending on the number of weapons received.</p>.<p>To "the current owners of the weapons we have moved to ban, I acknowledge that many of you will have acted within the law," Ardern said.</p>.<p>"In recognition of that and to incentivise their return, we will be establishing a buyback scheme."</p>.<p>Anyone who keeps the guns after an amnesty period will face fines of up to $4,000 and three years' in jail.</p>.<p>Ardern brushed aside suggestions of opposition to the ban.</p>.<p>"The vast majority of New Zealanders will support this change. I feel incredibly confident of that," she said.</p>
<p>New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced an immediate ban on the sale of assault rifles and semi-automatics Thursday in a muscular response to the Christchurch terror attack that killed 50 people.</p>.<p>"Today I am announcing that New Zealand will ban all military-style semi-automatic weapons. We will also ban all assault rifles," Ardern said while announcing interim measures that will stop a rush of purchases before legislation is enacted.</p>.<p>"The effect of this will mean that no one will be able to buy these weapons without a permit to procure from the police. I can assure people that there is no point in applying for such a permit," she said.</p>.<p>She added that high capacity magazines and devices similar to bump stocks -- which make rifles fire faster -- will also be banned.</p>.<p>"In short, every semi-automatic weapon used in the terrorist attack on Friday will be banned in this country," she said.</p>.<p>For the guns that are still out there, Ardern announced a buyback scheme that will cost between Nz$100 million and $200 million (between US$69 million and $139 million), depending on the number of weapons received.</p>.<p>To "the current owners of the weapons we have moved to ban, I acknowledge that many of you will have acted within the law," Ardern said.</p>.<p>"In recognition of that and to incentivise their return, we will be establishing a buyback scheme."</p>.<p>Anyone who keeps the guns after an amnesty period will face fines of up to $4,000 and three years' in jail.</p>.<p>Ardern brushed aside suggestions of opposition to the ban.</p>.<p>"The vast majority of New Zealanders will support this change. I feel incredibly confident of that," she said.</p>