Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described one alleged gunman, who had Australian citizenship, as an “extremist, right-wing” terrorist.
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A gunman opened fire at two mosques killing 49 people and seriously injuring 20 others in the Christchurch city in New Zealand. The mosques were packed with worshippers gathered for Friday prayers.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the toll and termed the shooting as one of the country’s darkest days. Condemning the attack, she said that there is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the gunman responsible for the New Zealand shootings was an Australian-born citizen. Speaking at a press conference, Morrison described the attacker as an ‘extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist’.
New Zealand police say they have detained four people in connection with the deadly shootings and have neutralised a number of improvised explosive devices found.
The city has been placed in lockdown as police is hunting for an active shooter. The police said, the risk environment remains extremely high and they are responding with their full capability to manage the situation.
Indian High Commission in New Zealand expressed shock on the shooting in Christchurch. It said, Indian needing assistance can contact the High Commission at 021803899 or 021850033.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh cricket team’s tour of New Zealand has been called off in the wake of the attack. The players were reportedly approaching the Al Noor mosque in Hagley Park in the bus, when the shooting broke out.
Bangladesh were scheduled to play New Zealand in the third and final Test of the series, beginning from Saturday. The International Cricket Council has shown its full support for the cancellation of the test match.
Political leaders across the world have expressed their disgust at the deadly New Zealand shooting.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said, Jakarta strongly condemns this shooting act, especially at a place of worship.
Indonesia’s ambassador to New Zealand, Tantowi Yahya, told Reuters that inquiries are being made as to whether Indonesians were caught up in the attack.
Anwar Ibrahim, leader of the biggest party in Malaysia’s ruling coalition, described the attack as a black tragedy facing humanity and universal peace.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesperson condemned what he called a ‘racist and fascist’ attack.
Afghanistan’s envoy to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Wahidullah Waissi, called the attack heinous and said that three Afghans have been wounded.
#WATCH “It is clear now this can only be described as a terrorist attack," Prime Minister @jacindaardern says.
“You may have chosen us but we utterly reject and condemn you."
Watch the full video here: https://t.co/XrGX1Oq0Sy pic.twitter.com/mXRsy8SeoN
— Checkpoint (@CheckpointRNZ) March 15, 2019
Key points:
There have been two attacks – at the Masjid Al Noor Mosque next to Hagley Park, and at the Linwood Masjid Mosque in the suburb of Linwood.
Forty-nine people have died, police have confirmed. 41 at Deans Ave mosque and seven at the Linwood mosque. One person who had been injured has since died.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder and is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court tomorrow morning.
Three others are in custody, but one of these people is not thought to be connected to shootings. But police warn there could be more offenders.
The PM said those in custody were not on any security watch lists.
Canterbury DHB says 48 patients with gunshot wounds are being treated at Christchurch Hospital.
Police are at a property on Somerville Street in Dunedin, which is linked to the shootings.
PM Jacinda Ardern has described it as a terrorist attack.
People can register missing persons or themselves as alive at this website
The national security threat level has been increased from low to high for the first time in NZ’s history.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said there were two explosive devices attached to a vehicle, one has been deactivated and the other is being worked on.
Mr Bush said weapons have been found near the mosques were the shooting occurred.
An eyewitness described seeing a man wearing a helmet and glasses and a military style jacket opening fire inside one of the mosques with an automatic weapon.
Multiple roads in the city including Blenheim Rd, Moorhouse Ave and Brougham St were closed.
Police have told mosques nationwide to shut their doors until further notice.
The third cricket Test between Bangladesh and NZ – due to start in Christchurch tomorrow – has been cancelled.