Forty-nine people are dead after gunmen opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch during packed Friday prayers, confirmed police commissioner Mike Bush.
One of the gunmen reportedly live streamed the attack and posted the video on social media channels. The horrific video which was later taken down by Facebook shows multiple people being shot with an automatic weapon.
The shootings took place at the Masjid Al Noor on Deans Ave, and the Linwood Masjid on Linwood Ave on Friday afternoon. The Papanui High School is also under high security.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the deadly mosque shootings in Christchurch had plunged the country into one of its "darkest days".
"Clearly, what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence," Ardern said in an address to a shocked nation.
The police have also found several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) attached to cars in Christchurch city, according to a report by Stuff.co.nz.
Four people, including one woman, have so far been arrested.
Mosques around New Zealand are currently under armed guard. Muslims have been advised to stay at home behind closed doors until further notice.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says national security threat level has been lifted from low to high after mosque attacks, reports AP.
Bangladesh Team Manager Khaled Mashud Pilot speaks to the media following the incident of shooting in Christchurch. pic.twitter.com/DDKcC3tPkO
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 15, 2019
All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has condemned the New Zealand mosque attack. “An anti-Muslim virus is spreading across the world,” AIMPLB board member Kamal Faruqui said. “People of all religions should be very worried.”
Meanwhile, in Auckland, armed police are deployed at Britomart train station, after two unattended bags were found at the site. Also, a section of Galway station has been cordoned off, according to the local media reports.
Thirty fatalities occurred at the Masjid Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch. Seven of the dead were inside the suburban Linwood Masjid Mosque and three died outside the same mosque, reports AP.
The gunman who killed numerous worshippers in a New Zealand mosque on Friday was a right-wing extremist with Australian citizenship, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. [READ FULL STORY HERE]
New Zealand police on Friday lifted a lockdown put in place after deadly armed assaults on two Christchurch mosques, allowing frantic parents to pick up their children. "Police can now confirm the lock down of schools throughout Christchurch has been lifted," New Zealand Police said in a statement. (AFP)
What has happened in Christchurch is an extraordinary act of unprecedented violence. It has no place in New Zealand. Many of those affected will be members of our migrant communities – New Zealand is their home – they are us.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) March 15, 2019
We are shocked to hear about the shooting in #Christchurch Any Indians needing assistance should contact us at 021803899 or 021850033. @indianweekender @indiannewslink @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @WIAWellington @kohli_sanjiv @BhavDhillonnz
— India in New Zealand (@IndiainNZ) March 15, 2019
Following the tragedy in #Christchurch, the remainder of regional departures from Christchurch Friday evening have been cancelled. This is because it is not possible to screen customers and their baggage. Check here: https://t.co/rXQtFJxCe3
— Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) March 15, 2019
Police are aware there is extremely distressing footage relating to the incident in Christchurch circulating online. We would strongly urge that the link not be shared. We are working to have any footage removed.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
According to www.stuff.co.nz, at least 30 people are feared dead in the horrific New Zealand shotting. However, this number is yet to be confirmed.
New Zealand police said they have detained four people in connection with deadly shootings at two mosques in Christchurch. Police Commissioner Mike Bush said police have defused a number of improvised explosive devices found on vehicles after the mosque shootings.
New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush says the death toll has increased to 49 in shootings at two mosques. Bush told a news conference that a man has been charged with murder and will appear in court tomorrow. He would not say whether the same shooter was responsible for both attacks.
Out of respect and in condolence for all those killed in the terrorist attack in New Zealand, I have asked for flags to be flown at half-mast. pic.twitter.com/0qgIrmdgoH
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 15, 2019
Shocked and strongly condemn the Christchurch, New Zealand, terrorist attack on mosques. This reaffirms what we have always maintained: that terrorism does not have a religion. Prayers go to the victims and their families.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2019