‘Thanks Dictator Dan’: Gun lovers slam the Victorian Premier for banning the sale of guns and ammo over fears weapons were being stockpiled by those frightened by coronavirus chaos
- There were 2,200 applications for guns last week, double the previous week
- Police said it was ‘too much of a risk’ to allow that many guns to be circulated
- Premier Dan Andrews was slammed by pro-gun Victorians on Twitter
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Gun-loving Victorians have reacted with fury after the sale of firearms was banned.
There were 2,200 applications for guns last week, double the previous week’s tally.
Police said it was ‘too much of a risk’ to allow that many guns to be circulated.
On Thursday morning, Premier Daniel Andrews Tweeted: ‘We’ve stopped the recreational sale of firearms and ammunition.
‘Because no one needs to stockpile anything during a crisis – especially not these.’
Gun-loving Victorians have reacted with fury after the sale of firearms was banned. Pictured: A gun range in the state
On Thursday morning, Premier Daniel Andrews Tweeted about the ban
His tweet was met with dozens of furious responses from people who disagreed
His tweet was met with dozens of furious responses from pro-gun Victorians.
‘Thanks Dictator Dan, I no longer live in a free democracy,’ wrote one.
‘Virtue signalling during a pandemic, NICE,’ added another.
However, many voters were supportive of the ban, calling it a ‘great move’.
Announcing the ban on Tuesday, Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said there had been a recent spike in demand linked to the coronavirus pandemic.
‘We’re really trying to make it safe for the public, we’re stopping the unnecessary storage of firearms and ammunition, and there was no legitimate need for this attempted stockpiling,’ he said.
However, many voters were supportive of the ban, calling it a ‘great move’
The ban applies to people buying guns for recreation and sport but does not apply to farmers who need them to shoot pests.
Victoria today announced its fifth coronavirus death after a woman in her 70s died in hospital.
Nationally, the number of cases soared past 5,000 with 22 deaths.
