Kiwi loons are turning their guns in

LINK

Many New Zealand gun owners have voluntarily surrendered their semi-automatic rifles to police following Friday's terror attack at two mosques in Christchurch, Newsweek reported.

Some have taken to social media to encourage others to follow their move.

"Until today, I was one of the New Zealanders who owned a semi-automatic rifle," farmer John Hart tweeted. "On the farm they are a useful tool in some circumstances, but my convenience doesn't outweigh the risk of misuse.

"We don't need these in our country. We have [to] make sure it's #NeverAgain."

Hart described walking into the police station with his gun as "a puckering experience."

"So, walking up the long courtyard to the Masterton police station, toward a stone-faced policewoman guarding the door holding an AR 15 at the ready, while I'm carrying a rifle (in its case) was, let's say, a puckering experience," he wrote.

In another post, Hart wrote that it's better to give up his firearms than to risk someone using his gun for harm.

After sharing his post about giving up his guns, Hart said he's received a number of supportive messages, along with some negative ones.

"I'm a bit overwhelmed by the positive responses, and the negatives have been few (and mostly blocked). The devil doesn't need any more advocates," he wrote.

The gun store owner, David Tipple, who said the 28-year-old shooting suspect had legally purchased four guns and ammunition from his shop online, told reporters on Monday at a news conference that he would support stricter gun laws.

"I and Gun City fully support [Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's] swift and decisive actions following this tragedy," Tipple said, according to Newsweek. "We'll be cooperating with police and the government to ensure that any review and changes to legislation prevent a reoccurrence."