The gunman has been identified as Matu Tangi Matua Reid, 24, who was working at the site and had a history of family violence. He was the subject of a home detention order but had an exemption to work at the site, the New Zealand police commissioner, Andrew Coster, said.
“The individual is known for primarily family violence history,” he said, adding that there were “indications of mental health history” but that there was no evidence Reid was of high lethal risk and that his previous offences had not suggested he posed this kind of threat. He did not have a firearms licence.
Hipkins said authorities were investigating how the gunman acquired a firearm and whether his behaviour suggested any red flags before the shooting. The Department of Corrections is reviewing its interactions with Reid.
But Muh common sense gun laws!
In 2019, a law was passed outlawing military-style semiautomatic weapons and assault rifles
But Muh common sense gun laws!