New Zealand police took three men and a woman into custody after the shootings, which shocked people across the nation of 5 million people.
Mass shootings are rare in New Zealand, which tightened its gun laws to restrict access to semi-automatic rifles in 1992, two years after a mentally ill man shot dead 13 people in the South Island town of Aramoana.
However, anyone over 16 can apply for a standard firearms licence after doing a safety course, which allows them to purchase and use a shotgun unsupervised.
A man in his late 20s has been charged with murder. Two more people are in custody
Authorities have told all mosques to shut their doors until further notice
The world reacts as tributes and reaction around the world pour in, with many world leaders calling this as a terrorist attack except President Trump.
New Zealand
New Zealand Prime Minister offered her condolences and vowed to fight the far right terror in New Zealand.
“It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack.”
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the shootings as a “terrorist attack” and one of the country’s “darkest hours”.
United Nations
On Twitter, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the “shooting of innocent people as they prayed peacefully”.
I’m saddened & strongly condemn the shooting of innocent people as they prayed peacefully in mosques in New Zealand. I express my deepest condolences to the victims’ families. Today and every day, we must stand united against anti-Muslim hatred, & all forms of bigotry & terror.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 15, 2019
Australia
Australian PM Scott Morrison confirmed an Australian-born citizen had been arrested, calling him an “extremist rightwing violent terrorist”
Pakistan
‘Terrorism does not have a religion’: Pakistan condemns New Zealand mosque shootings.
I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 where Islam & 1.3 bn Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror by a Muslim. This has been done deliberately to also demonize legitimate Muslim political struggles. https://t.co/5bBREoayLz
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2019
Let’s not sanitise the heinous terrorist attack targeting Muslims praying in a Mosque which says 30-40 dead in #NZMosque.It is certainly not a shooting or simple act of violence as many Western media reports couch it as. It is plain horrific,Islamophobic, anti-Muslim terrorism
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) March 15, 2019
Germany
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said this was”an attack directed against Muslims but it is also an attack on New Zealand’s democracy and the open and tolerant society.
“We share these values with New Zealand and with it we share the horror and the condemnation of this terrible act. And my sincere condolences of course in this hour go to the victims’ families and the injured to whom I wish a speedy recovery.
“I would like to say to the people in New Zealand we stand at their side at this difficult time.”
Turkey
Turkeys leaders Erdogan offered his condolences to the Islamic world and New Zealand in two tweets describing the terror attacks in New Zealand.
I strongly condemn the terror attack against the Al Noor Mosque in #NewZealand and Muslim worshippers. May Allah have mercy on the victims and grant a speedy recovery to the wounded.
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) March 15, 2019
On behalf of my country, I offer my condolences to the Islamic world and the people of New Zealand, who have been targeted by this deplorable act – the latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia.
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) March 15, 2019
Kensington Palace: ‘Senseless’ and ‘horrifying’ attack
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have issued a joint statement with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex describing the attack as “senseless” and “horrifying.”
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the people who lost their lives in the devastating attack in Christchurch,” they said.
“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. No person should ever have to fear attending a sacred place of worship.
“This senseless attack is an affront to the people of Christchurch and New Zealand and the broader Muslim community. It is a horrifying assault on a way of life that embodies decency, community, and friendship.
And Finally……………..
Arguably the best post from around the globe is by Waleed a TV host from ProjectTV Australia.
#Reflection
On this heartbreaking day, Waleed, A news presenter from TheProjectTV reflects and calls for unity –
“The most dishonest thing I could say today is that I am shocked by this attack.”#NewZealandMosqueAttack
#Christchurch
#NewZealand #WTXNews #TheProjectTV pic.twitter.com/cRglf9CEt8— WTX News UK (@WtxNews) March 15, 2019
“The most dishonest thing I could say today is that I am shocked by this attack.” #NewZealandMosqueAttack #Christchurch #NewZealand
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