Forty-nine people have been killed at two Christchurch mosques in what Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is calling “one of New Zealand’s darkest days.”
Among the dead are Atta Elayyan, goalkeeper for the NZ Futsal team, retired engineer Ali Elmadani, and recent refugee from Syria, Khaled Mustafa. A 71-year-old Haji-Daoud Nabi died trying to shield another person from the gunman.
Forty-eight patients, including children, are being treated in Christchurch Hospital for gunshot wounds ranging from minor to critical.
Many others remain missing.
Accused shooter Brenton Harrison Tarrant appeared in Christchurch District Court on Saturday. Tarrant in his 20s was charged with only one count of murder, though more are expected. He did not enter a plea.
The public were not allowed in, but the media, as “surrogate of the public” were allowed to attend. Judge Paul Kellar made an order to blur Tarrant’s face.
Police have evacuated properties near a “location of interest” in Dunedin in relation to the attack
New Zealand’s national security threat level has been lifted from low to high for the first time in the country’s history
Four people have been arrested, including one woman
One of the shooters has been confirmed as an Australian citizen
The four individuals in custody were not on any watchlist.
The shootings took place at a mosque on Deans Ave and another on Linwood Avenue.
Tributes are pouring in from world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and the Queen.
US President Donald Trump tweeted “Don’t give the POS NZ shooter what he wants. Don’t speak his name don’t show the footage. Seems that most agree on that. The questions is can the media do what’s right and pass up the ratings they’ll get by doing the opposite? I fear we all know the answer unfortunately.”
Former US President Barack Obama has sent his condolences.
“Michelle and I send our condolences to the people of New Zealand. We grieve with you and the Muslim community. All of us must stand against hatred in all its forms,” he tweeted.
Australian Senator Fraser Anning is under fire for blaming the attack on immigration policies which allowed Muslims in New Zealand.
“As always, left-wing politicians and the media will rush to claim that the causes of today’s shootings lie with gun laws or those who hold nationalist views but this is all cliched nonsense.
“The real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration program which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shared his condolences.
“I’m horrified by the reports I’m following of the serious shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. The situation is still unfolding but our thoughts and prayers are with our Kiwi cousins.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a statement condemning the attacks.
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the people who lost their lives in the devastating attack in Christchurch.”
“We have all been fortunate to spend time in Christchurch and have felt the warm, open-hearted and generous spirit that is core to its remarkable people.
Queen Elizabeth says she is ‘deeply saddened by the horrific terror attacks in Christchurch.
Buckingham Palace has lowered its flag to half mast.
(Newshunt)
