New Zealand mosque massacre LIVE UPDATES | 49 worshippers killed by anti-immigration gunmen, one charged with murder
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described it as "one of New Zealand's darkest days" and said the events in the city of Christchurch represented "an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence."
People wait outside a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, March 15, 2019. (Photo | AP)
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.
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.”
Islamic world reacts with disgust
Islamic countries and their leaders across Asia expressed disgust while revealing that their citizens had been caught up in the mosque massacre in New Zealand on Friday.
“Indonesia strongly condemns this shooting act, especially at a place of worship while a Friday prayer was ongoing,” the country's foreign minister Retno Marsudi said in a statement, adding, six Indonesian nationals had been inside the mosque when the attack occurred.
In Muslim-majority Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, the leader of the biggest party in its ruling coalition, said one Malaysian had been wounded in the attack he described as a “black tragedy facing humanity and universal peace”.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesman condemned what he called a “racist and fascist” attack. “This attack shows the point which hostility to Islam and enmity to Muslims has reached,” Ibrahim Kalin wrote on Twitter.
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.
BREAKING NOW
New Zealand PM says 40 dead in mosque attack
Australian Prime Minister confirms nationality of New Zealand mosque shooter
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]
Lockdown lifted after Christchurch mosque attacks: police
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)
New Zealand enduring one of its darkest days: PM Jacinda Ardern
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.
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
Police and ambulance staff help a wounded man from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday. (Photo | AP)Click on the picture to view gallery.
New Zealand police warned against sharing footage relating to a deadly shooting
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.
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.
WATCH | Multiple fatalities in New Zealand mosque shooting, Bangladesh cricket team escapes unhurt
Four taken into custody, IEDs defused
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.
Police have warned people to avoid mosques anywhere in New Zealand following two shootings with multiple fatalities at two mosques in Christchurch.
New Zealand police say they have taken into custody three men and one woman over the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the events Friday afternoon "one of New Zealand's darkest days."
Death toll in mosques shooting rises to 49, say NZ police
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.
One man charged with murder for New Zealand mosque attacks: police [AFP]
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern, Australian PM Scott Morrison condemn attack
There is no place in either Australia or NZ for hatred and intolerance: Scott Morrison
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
Pakistan PM Imran Khan condemns New Zealand mosque attack
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.
