New Zealand Announces Weapons Ban
Following a shooting at a mosque in Christchurch that left 50 people dead, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a ban on certain types of weapons:
“Today, I’m announcing New Zealand will ban all military-style semiautomatic weapons. We will also ban all assault rifles. We will ban all high-capacity magazines. We will ban all parts with the ability to convert semiautomatic or any other type of firearm into a military-style semiautomatic weapon. We will ban parts that cause a firearm to generate semiautomatic, automatic or close-to-automatic gunfire,” she added. “In short, every semiautomatic weapon used in the terror attack on Friday will be banned in this country.”
She said the decision would accomplish one goal: “to prevent an act of terror from happening in our country ever again.” In a press conference three days prior, the prime minister had promised that the Cabinet planned to take action.
The New York Times compares the process for buying a gun in 16 countries, showing the United States as having the fewest steps.
Discussion:
What’s your view of the decision and how Prime Minister Arden communicated it to the public?
What leadership character dimensions does the Prime Minister demonstrate in this situation?
Watch Prime Minister Arden’s press conference and one or two others. How would you describe her delivery style?