Is it true that both shooting locations, Bondi and Brown U – have recently enacted gun laws.
Yes — both Australia (Bondi Beach, NSW) and Rhode Island (Brown University’s state) have recently enacted or updated gun laws, though in different contexts.
Australia (Bondi Beach, NSW)
- Background: Australia’s strict gun laws date back to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which led to the National Firearms Agreement banning most semi‑automatic rifles and shotguns, introducing mandatory buybacks, and requiring licensing and background checks.
- Recent Developments:
- NSW Premier Chris Minns has already flagged new reforms in response to the Bondi Beach shooting, saying laws “need to change”.
- Experts note gaps remain: Australia never fully implemented a national gun registry, and gun laws vary by state.
- The number of firearms has quietly risen to over 4 million, about 25% more than in 1996, partly due to inconsistent regulation and emerging 3D‑printed firearms.
- Current Status: While Australia still has some of the strictest laws globally, the Bondi attack has reignited debate about closing loopholes and tightening enforcement.
Rhode Island (Brown University)
- Background: Rhode Island already had some of the toughest gun laws in the U.S., including:
- Background checks and a 7‑day waiting period for all firearm purchases.
- Minimum age 21 for handguns, 18 for rifles/shotguns.
- Mandatory safety course and “blue card” license for handgun ownership.
- Recent Developments:
- In June 2025, Rhode Island passed a law banning the sale of assault‑style rifles (e.g., AR‑15s).
- That ban takes effect on July 1, 2026, though possession of existing rifles remains legal.
- Current Status: The Brown University shooting has intensified calls for faster implementation and stricter enforcement of these laws.
This is not a political conversation, in either case. This is a tragedy. However, laws will not change anything.
Solving the genocide issue might help.
I would like to add that I think it brilliant the Australia’s new laws banning minors from social media, enacted on 10-Dec-2025. Saved young people from further traumatizing themselves with endless viewings.