WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand authorities said Saturday their country will be a safer place after owners handed in more than 50,000 guns during a buyback program following a ban on assault weapons. But critics say the process was flawed and many owners have illegally stashed their firearms. The...
When Will Politicians Stop Repeating Myths About Mass Shootings?
When 22 people were killed in El Paso, Texas, and nine more were killed in Dayton, Ohio, roughly 12 hours later, responses to the tragedy included many of the same myths and stereotypes Americans have grown used to hearing in the wake of a mass shooting. As part of my...
New Zealand's New Gun Laws Get Final Assent to Take Effect
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand's governor general on Thursday formally signed into effect sweeping gun laws outlawing military style weapons, less than a month after a man used such guns to kill 50 people and wound dozens at two mosques in Christchurch. Governor General Patsy Reddy signed the bill...
White Nationalism, Born in the USA, Is Now a Global Terror Threat
The recent massacre of 50 Muslim worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand is the latest confirmation that white supremacy is a danger to democratic societies across the globe. Despite President Donald Trump’s suggestion that white nationalist terrorism is not a major problem, recent data from the United Nations,...
New Zealand to Observe Muslim Prayer After Mosque Attacks
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — In a day without precedent, people across New Zealand were planning to observe the Muslim call to prayer Friday as the nation reflected on the moment one week ago when 50 people were slaughtered at two mosques. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and thousands of others planned...
New Zealand Bans ‘Military-Style’ Guns After Mosque Attacks
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — The government of New Zealand announced a ban on "military-style" semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines Thursday, just a week after such weapons were used in attacks on two mosques in the city of Christchurch that killed 50 people. An immediate sales ban went into effect to...
Mourners Pay Tribute to New Zealand Victims, Await Burials
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Thousands of people paid tribute Sunday at makeshift memorials to the 50 people slain by a gunman at two mosques in Christchurch, while dozens of Muslims stood by to bury the dead when authorities finally release the victims' bodies. Hundreds of flowers were piled up amid...
Their Members Were Massacred. Now Pittsburgh Jews Help New Zealand Muslims.
A Pittsburgh synagogue that was the victim of a shooting massacre killing 11 worshippers last October is raising funds to support New Zealand's Muslim community. An Australian white supremacist is charged with killing 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during Friday prayers. The Goal Is $100,000 As...
New Zealand’s Darkest Day: 36 Minutes of Terror
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — On March 15, New Zealand changed. Some are calling it a loss of innocence, a reminder that distance doesn't bring protection against violence. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has vowed to change gun laws and investigate what went wrong. This is how 36 minutes of terror unfolded,...
Mosque Attacks Spark Outrage, Fuel Concern Over Islamophobia
BRUSSELS — World leaders expressed condolences and condemnation Friday following the deadly attacks on mosques in New Zealand, while Muslim leaders said the mass shooting was evidence of a rising tide of violent Islamophobia. In a tweet, U.S. President Donald Trump sent "warmest sympathy and best wishes" to the people...