PAForty-nine people have been killed and more than 20 seriously wounded in mosque attacks in New Zealand.
The shootings, which took place at around 1:40pm on Thursday 15 March at two mosques in Christchurch, have been described by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as one of the country’s ‘darkest days’.
Authorities are calling it an unprecedented act of violence.
The person who has committed this violent act has no place here. To those in Christchurch; I encourage you to stay inside and follow the instructions of @nzpolice. The Police Commissioner will be making a public statement at 5pm. I will update everyone again later this evening.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) March 15, 2019
Witnesses told local media survivors ran for their lives past people bleeding on the ground outside the Al Noor mosque, in the centre of the city located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
The first report of an attack came from this mosque, which is opposite Hagley Park, and most details have come so far from eye-witnesses.
The attacker reportedly targeted the men’s prayer room in the mosque, then moved to the women’s room.
PAOne witness told TV New Zealand, per the BBC:
What I did was basically just waiting and praying, God please, let this guy run out of bullets.
He came to this side, he shot this side, he went to another room and went to the ladies’ section and shot them.
I just heard one of the ladies has died.
Christchurch attack, what we know so far,
update on details at 6:50 GMT
According to NZ PM Jacinda Ardern:
– 40 killed
– 20 'badly hurt'
– 3 men in custody
According to Australian PM:
– An Australian arrested described as 'extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist' pic.twitter.com/xMJynaiygh— AFP news agency (@AFP) March 15, 2019
A Palestinian man, who did not wish to be named, told AFP:
I heard three quick shots, then after about 10 seconds it started again – it must have been an automatic, no one could pull a trigger that quick.
Then people started running out. Some were covered in blood.
PAFootage taken by one shooter has emerged, which he appears to have live-streamed as he shot victims in one of the mosques. Police said the public should not share the ‘extremely distressing’ material online.
Facebook has removed the shooter’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
A second mosque in Christchurch, in the suburb of Linwood has been evacuated, and Police Commissioner Mike Bush said ‘multiple fatalities’ were recorded at two locations.
2/6 …one at Deans Avenue and one at Linwood Avenue. Those locations remain locked down.We can confirm there have been a number of fatalities. We cannot at this stage confirm the precise number but it is significant. So far, four people, three men and a woman, have been taken…
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
4/6 …information. We continue to utilise every possible resource to resolve the situation.Police work with a number of agencies in preparation for events of this nature and we have plans and procedures in place which we are following. We are receiving assistance from NZDF…
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
6/6 … these premises until further notice.The lock down of schools through Christchurch has been lifted.We thank the public for their ongoing cooperation.We would like to reassure members of the public that there is a large Police presence in the city.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
Authorities said they had also stopped ‘a number’ of explosive devices ‘attached to vehicles’.
All mosques in the city have been advised to shut down until further notice. Armed police have also been seen at Papanui High School in Christchurch, which is cordoned off.
Three men and one woman are in custody, Bush has confirmed, but warned more suspects may be at large. It is not yet known how many shooters were involved in the atrocity.
I condemn the violent, extremist, right-wing terrorist attack that has stolen the lives of so many innocent New Zealanders as they went about their peaceful practice of worship at their mosques in Christchurch today.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 15, 2019
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said one of those arrested was an Australian citizen.
He described the suspected attacker as an ‘extremist right-wing violent terrorist’, who is believed to have written a manifesto outlining his intentions.
In it, he utilises far right and anti-immigrant ideology.
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
Multiple casualties have been brought to Christchurch Hospital. The latest death toll is 49.
There is a heavy police presence on site of the hospital.
Police have also cleared Cathedral Square, where thousands of children had been holding a rally for action on climate change.
PAPolice Commissioner Mike Bush said:
Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high.
Police recommend that residents across Christchurch remain off the streets and indoors until further notice.
Our thoughts are with all affected.
If you’re concerned and need to contact a friend or relative please visit the International Committee of the Red Cross, who have set up a website by which you can restore links and register your own safety.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.