New Zealand citizens open to gun reform after massacre

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – The New Zealand leader's promise of tightened gun laws in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings has been widely welcomed by a stunned population.

Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern said her Cabinet will consider the details of the change on Monday. She has said options include a ban on private ownership of semi-automatic rifles that were used with devastating effect in Christchurch and a government-funded buyback of newly outlawed guns.

Christchurch gun owner Max Roberts predicted Ardern won't face serious opposition to her in-principle agenda.

Elliot Dawson survived the shooting at Christchurch's Linwood mosque by hiding in a bathroom. She hopes New Zealand follows Australia's lead on gun control.

Australia's virtual ban on private ownership of semi-automatic rifles cut the size of the country's civilian arsenal by almost a third.