New Zealand’s largest gun show has been canceled just days after mass shootings at two mosques resulted in at least 50 deaths.
Organizers for the gun show said they have canceled the event out of respect for victims of the shootings in Christchurch, according to The Associated Press.
The Kumeu Militaria Show, scheduled to take place Saturday, is an event to show support for military service men and women, according to a statement announcing the event’s cancellation.
Organizers also cited “elevated security risks” for the cancellation.
The annual show attracts thousands of attendees to view historical reenactments and promote the country’s military history.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to all involved with the running of the show, The Military vehicle owners, memorabilia collectors and exhibitors, defence force members, community groups, vendors, and support organisations,” organizers wrote in a Facebook post.
A date for a possible rescheduling of the event was not listed on the group’s Facebook page.
New Zealand is mourning following last week's mass shooting, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promising to tighten the country’s gun laws.
Several vigils for victims took place over the weekend, and mosques had heightened security in the aftermath of the massacre.
jesbiil on March 18th, 2019 at 20:52 UTC »
Saw this and my first thought was, "Did the folks hosting the gun show decide to do this or were they forced/shamed...?"
Well damn my American cynicism got my ass good!
GareljaBro on March 18th, 2019 at 19:13 UTC »
As a Kiwi, I've noticed that people have not really become cautious or scared to attend large gatherings since the shooting. City vigils are happening all over the country.
The gun show being cancelled is more out of respect for the massacre and will no doubt resume after our period of mourning. But there are very few of us who would refuse to give up certain types of rifles if the government enacted laws prohibiting them.
We have no constitution giving us this right like the US, but our freedom's come from a shared sense of fairness. Is it fair to surrender all our guns? No. Is it fair that 50 innocent people got gun down in our country? No. New Zealand is a safe place, and we always want it to be. If you ever come here, you would feel safe having dinner at a stranger's home. Whether it helps to know that they likely don't have a gun is up to you.
ConversationEnder on March 18th, 2019 at 19:11 UTC »
Yeah, well I imagine they shifted the date because it wouldn't feel appropriate to be selling guns so shortly after a massacre in a place where people were worshiping their god.