1 New Zealand Announces Ban On Assault Rifles, Semi-Automatic Rifles
New Zealand's prime minister has confirmed that the country is now banning military-style semi-automatic rifles and assault rifles following last week's deadly mosque massacres. But that’s not all – anything that can modify weapons to fire more rapidly (like bump stocks) and so-called “high capacity” magazines will also be illegal as of 3pm local time today. As we told you before, a gunman armed with assault rifles opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch last Friday, killing 50 people and injuring dozens of others. And with that in the rear view, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the attack changed the country's history forever and the law will have to change, too. In a press conference, she explained that there will be a buyback program to compensate gun owners who turn in their weapons (the government needs to figure out how to fund it). In the meantime, the government is putting measures in place that allows gun owners to give their guns to police until the buyback program is finalized.
2 FBI Joins Investigation Into Boeing 737 MAX
The FBI is reportedly involved in the investigation of the certification process for the Boeing 737 MAX following two crashes. The “Seattle Times” reports that the bureau is now assisting the Department of Transportation in examining how the airliner was approved by federal regulators. As we’ve been telling you, the Boeing 737 MAX has been grounded around the world after an Ethiopian Airlines jet crashed earlier this month. Last October, the plane was involved in a similar crash off the coast of Indonesia. More than 300 people were killed between the two incidents. The FBI’s role is described as one of support. And their involvement hasn’t been acknowledged officially due to the confidential nature of the investigation.
3 Trump On Mueller Report: "Let People See It"
For as much wondering as we’ve all had about ever seeing the ‘Mueller Report’ – President Trump says he’s all for it. "Let it come out,” he told reporters at the White House yesterday. “Let people see it." Trump says he doesn't know when the Mueller report will be finalized, but also noted that it's up to Attorney General Bill Barr to decide what to do with Mueller's findings. Either way, Trump said he looks forward to seeing the final result and adds, “Let's see if it's fair." Trump repeated his claim that there was no collusion between Russia and his 2016 presidential campaign. Before departing on Marine One, Trump also dismissed accusations that he’s tried to obstruct the investigation. Trump said he won a great election victory and then saw "a deputy" appoint a man to "write a report." That was a reference to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's appointment of Mueller, after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey. Mueller is obligated to send his findings to Barr.