New Zealand terrorist attack live updates: Demonstrators chant slogans against the mosque attacks in New Zealand during a protest near the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. (Source: AP)
New Zealand Christchurch terror attack LIVE updates: Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Hagia Sophia in Turkey’s capital today condemning the attack on mosques in Christchurch, reported The Associated Press. The gunman, who has been identified as Brenton Harrison Tarrant, in his 74-page ‘manifesto’ had taunted saying ‘Hagia Sophia will free of minarets’.
After Friday’s attack at mosques in New Zealand, the long-standing demand of Islamic civil society groups in Turkey to reconvert the structure to a mosque has gathered momentum.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has vowed to reform the country’s gun laws after the attack that killed 49 people. She said, “He had chosen and legally purchased firearms in the country ‘for the affect it would have on social discourse, the extra media coverage they would provide and the affect it could have on the politics of United States and thereby the political situation of the world.’ Tarrant was charged with one count of murder on Saturday.
The New Zealand police said that they have apprehended four people — three men and one woman — in connection with the attack. One of the accused is an Australian national.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday wrote to his New Zealand counterpart expressing his deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims. Stressing that India strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, PM Modi said, “Hatred and violence have no place in diverse and democratic societies.” He was among a host of world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Theresa May, to express their condolences.
New Zealand Christchurch terrorist attack: Police attempt to clear people from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, March 15, 2019. (AP Photo)
Farhaj Ahsan, who was reported missing after the deadly Christchurch terror attack, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. With this, the number of Indians killed in the attack has increased to two. Mohammed Juned Kara (34) from Navsari in Gujarat was the first victim of the attack.
Earlier in the day, the Indian envoy in New Zealand Sanjiv Kohli said he was in constant touch with local authorities to get more information on the number of Indians missing.
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A few hundred demonstrators have protested the Christchurch mosque shootings outside Istanbul's Hagia Sophia — a Byzantine-era cathedral that was turned into a mosque and now serves as a museum. The demonstrators — mostly members of Islamic civil society groups — on Saturday called for the symbolic edifice to be reconverted into a mosque. The demand was in response to a taunt by the gunman in Friday's shooting rampage in a 74-page manifesto in which he reportedly said ``Hagia Sophia will free of minarets.'' (AP)
Sen. Fraser Anning came under blistering criticism over tweets on Friday. He had a raw egg cracked over his head and faces censure from his fellow lawmakers after sparking outrage by blaming Muslim immigration for the New Zealand mosque shootings. Police said the boy was arrested but was released without charge pending a further investigation.
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In one of the deadliest mass shootings in New Zealand at least 49 people were killed and 40 others injured, when a gunman open fired in two mosques full of worshippers in Christchurch on Friday. Amid the gloom, Twitter users are sharing little mundane details from their visit to mosques and its beautiful.
It all started when video game developer Rami Ismail tweeted a challenge to Muslims, writing, “Hey Muslims, tell me something painfully mundane and common at your mosque, whether you visit it five times a day or one time a year.”
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Egypt says four Egyptians were among those killed in the New Zealand mosque shootings. The emigration ministry said Saturday that authorities in New Zealand have confirmed the deaths of the four Egyptians, including two 68-year-olds. The ages of the other two victims were not given. A total of 49 people were killed in the mass shootings Friday at two mosques in Christchurch. (AP)
India's High Commissioner in New Zealand Sanjiv Kohli wrote on Twitter: " Have been pursuing information on the whereabouts of nine persons from NZ authorities, these included 7 Indian nationals and 2 PIOs. Two Indian nationals are receiving treatment. Following up with NZ govt on the status of others. Also in regular touch with their families."
Abdul Aziz, 48, is being hailed as a hero for preventing more deaths during Friday prayers at the Linwood mosque in Christchurch after leading the gunman in a cat-and-mouse chase before scaring him into speeding away in his car. But Aziz, whose four sons and dozens of others remained in the mosque while he faced off with the gunman, said he thinks it's what anyone would have done.
The gunman killed 49 people after attacking two mosques in the deadliest mass shooting in New Zealand's modern history. The gunman is believed to have killed 41 people at the Al Noor mosque before driving about 5 kilometers (3 miles) across town and attacking the Linwood mosque, where he killed seven more people. One person died later in a hospital.
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PM Ardern said Brenton Tarrant was a licensed gun owner who allegedly used five weapons, including two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns, which had been modified. "I can tell you one thing right now, our gun laws will change," Ardern told reporters, saying a ban on semi-automatic weapons would be considered.
According to media reports which quoted club members saying Tarrant often practiced shooting an AR-15, which is a lightweight semi-automatic rifle. The AR-15 is a semi-automatic version of the United States military M16 rifle. The minimum legal age to own a gun in New Zealand is 16, or 18 for military-style semi-automatic weapons. The AR-15 was used at Port Arthur, as well as a number of high-profile mass shootings in the United States.
New Zealand has in the past tried to tighten firearm laws, but a strong gun lobby and culture of hunting has stymied such efforts. There are an estimated 1.5 million firearms in New Zealand, which has a population of only five million, but the country has had low levels of gun violence. (Reuters)
"I convey the message of love and support on behalf of New Zealand to all of you,” said Ardern. She was wearing a black scarf over her head, she hugged members of the Muslim community at a Christchurch refugee centre, saying she would ensure freedom on religion in New Zealand.
The number of Jordanians killed in the New Zealand mosque shootings has risen to three after a wounded man died of his injuries. Jordan's Foreign Ministry announced the death Saturday. The ministry said a Jordanian diplomat is on his way to New Zealand to coordinate with local authorities. In the immediate aftermath of Friday's attack on two Christchurch mosques, the Foreign Ministry had announced that two Jordanians were among the 49 people killed, and that eight Jordanians had been wounded. Jordan has not released the names of Jordanian victims of the attack. — AP
A day after the most deadliest terror attack in New Zealand, the country came together Saturday to pay their respects to the victims of the mosque attacks.
Flowers and signs are seen at a memorial as a tribute to victims of the mosque attacks, near a police line outside Masjid Al Noor in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 16, 2019. (Reuters Photo: Jorge Silva)
A brief lockdown was imposed on the Hawke Bay hospital over a security scare. However, it's been established that there is no threat. The police, in a statement, said: "Following extensive enquiries at the hospital and in the surrounding areas, it has been determined there is no threat to hospital staff or the public." Security has been beefed up across New Zealand after the Christchurch shooting on Friday, which left 49 people dead.
Security has been heightened in Australia after the New Zealand attack. "You will see a lot more police out and about this weekend," Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam was quoted as saying by Reuters. A spokesperson of the NSW Police, meanwhile, said: “Police have increased patrols and senior officers have also reached out to community and religious leaders across the state to provide support and reassurance."
The main suspect in mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques was charged with one count of murder a day after an attack that killed 49 people and wounded dozens, prompting the prime minister to vow reform of the country's gun laws. Brenton Harrison Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian citizen, appeared in a Christchurch District Court on Saturday and was remanded without a plea until his next scheduled appearance in the South Island city's High Court on April 5. Handcuffed and wearing a white prison suit, Tarrant did not speak. His court-appointed lawyer made no application for bail or name suppression. He also apparently smirked at photographers, reported New Zealand Herald. Read More
A rugby match, which was scheduled to be played between the Otago Highlanders and Canterbury Crusaders in Dunedin, 360 kilometres from Christchurch, has been cancelled as a mark of respect to the victims. "Advice from police and venue management was that the fixture could go ahead, however, with strong agreement from both teams we have made the final call not to proceed as a mark of respect for the events that have occurred in Christchurch," New Zealand Rugby's Nigel Cass said in a statement.
A day after the terrorist attack in Christchurch, the New Zealand police have said that the Hawke's Bay hospital is under lockdown due to a security threat. No more details are available at this moment.
Mohammed Juned Kara (34) from Navsari in Gujarat was killed in the Christchurch terrorist attack in New Zealand on Friday. At least two more are injured, while six have been reported missing since the attack. The Indian High Commission in New Zealand said there were nine “missing persons of Indian nationality/origin". Official confirmation is awaited. MEA Sushma Swaraj tweeted helpline numbers (021803899/021850033) this morning for Indians in New Zealand.
Mass shootings have in the past been intended to draw attention to a “cause”, but the attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, seemed differently focused. He explicitly discounted gaming as his inspiration, but he used every trick in the social media marketing box to push out his message. And indeed, the video and “manifesto” moved faster than the internet’s gatekeepers possibly could, and has been shared on an unprecedented scale. In the case of this murder made for social media, they will keep the horrific story in circulation and ensure that it travels widely, seeking new audiences. Read The Indian Express' editorial 'Terror, live'.
From the shooter’s social media accounts and his 74-page manifesto published online before the attack, it appears that he was inspired by extreme right-wing ideologies that thrive on the Internet. He wanted to target immigrants for allegedly invading his soil and, like Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik, he wrote a manifesto citing right wing personalities and military battles glorified by white nationalists.
This image taken from the alleged shooter’s video, which was filmed Friday, shows him as he drives and he looks over to three guns on the passenger side of his vehicle in New Zealand. (Photo via AP)
In the 74-page manifesto he left behind after gunning down 49 people, 28-year-old Brenton Tarrant talks about an “invasion” from India, along with China and Turkey, and defines the three countries as “potential nation enemies in the East”.
The manifesto, titled “The Great Replacement”, also stated that “the invaders must be removed from European soil, regardless from where they came or when they came. Roma, African, Indian, Turkish, Semitic or other. If they are not of our people, but live in our lands, they must be removed.”
In the aftermath of attacks on a mosque in New Zealand's Christchurch, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated that country’s “gun laws will change”, The Guardian reported.
The report also mentioned that the New Zealand PM announced that mental health facilities will be provided and has invited anyone who needs help to call or text 1737.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said 'terrorism in any form must be defeated.' "Terrorism in any form must be defeated. Humanity is about spreading peace and harmony. Strongly condemn the dastardly terror attack in New Zealand. Condolences to the grieving families and strength to the injured to recover," she tweeted.
MEA chief Sushma Swaraj also condemned the deadly attack. She tweeted, "We strongly condemn the dastardly terrorist attacks at the places of worship in Christchurch. Our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families." "In this moment of grief, India stands in solidarity with the people and Government of New Zealand," she added.
Owaisi on Twitter, shared that he was apprised of the latest situation by the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and thanking her, said that he was in constant touch with the Ministry to help expedite the visa process for the families of the missing Indians.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday condemned the deadly attack on two mosques in New Zealand, saying it illustrated the growing hostility towards Islam "idly" watched by the world. The attacks on the Christchurch mosques left at least 49 dead, with one gunman -- identified as an Australian extremist -- apparently live streaming the assault and publishing a manifesto online. "With this attack, hostility towards Islam, that the world has been idly watching and even encouraging for some time, has gone beyond individual harassment to reach the level of mass killing," Erdogan said at the funeral of a former Turkish minister. (AFP)
Houses of worship around the world, a place of reflection and peace, have been targeted for attack by extremists.
Jan. 27, 2019: Two suicide attackers detonate two bombs during a Mass in a Roman Catholic cathedral on the largely Muslim island of Jolo in the southern Philippines, killing 23 and wounding about 100 others. Three days later, an attacker hurls a grenade in a mosque in nearby Zamboanga city, killing two religious teachers.
March 15, 2019: At least 40 people are killed in an attack at mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. Read more
According to the Indian Envoy to New Zealand, nine Indian-origin people are missing after the mosque shootings. However, official confirmation is still awaited.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives. In a letter addressed to the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, he offered heartfelt prayers for those injured and underscored India's solidarity with the country in the difficult times. He further also stressed on India's condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations, censuring those who support such acts of violence and said, "Hatred and violence have no place in diverse and democratic societies."
AIMIM Chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi said an Indian national has been missing since the attacks at the mosques in Christchurch. Requesting immediate assistance from Sushma Swaraj and the Ministry of External Affairs, Owaisi shared the details of the man and his family on Twitter.
National carrier Air New Zealand has canceled at least 17 flights in and out of Christchurch, saying it couldn't screen customers and their baggage following deadly shootings at two mosques. The airline said some smaller planes travelling on regional routes were canceled while larger jet planes would continue landing and taking off due to security screening processes already in place. Typically, passengers on smaller turboprop aircraft traveling to or from Christchurch don't go through security screening and are able to walk right onto the plane. (AP)
Virat Kohli condemns today's attacks and said he wished for the safety of the Bangladesh cricket team which was in New Zealand when the incident happened.
Apprising citizens of the situation in Christchurch, Mayor Lianne Dalziel said that she was shocked by today's incident and claimed that she had details about the shooting. She has warned people from venturing out of their homes and assured that police was trying to do their best to get the situation under control. She also informed that schools and facilities were on a lockdown and appealed to citizens to remain calm.
French authorities have stepped up security measures near religious sites after deadly attacks against two mosques in New Zealand left 49 people dead, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said on Friday. "Patrols will be held around religious sites," Castaner said on his official Twitter account. (Reuters)
An Australian Senator from Queensland tried to link Muslim immigration with the shooting at New Zealand and took a subtle dig at the left wing.
People in Bangladesh raised slogans condemning the mosque attack in New Zealand's Christchurch today. The Bangladesh cricket team were able to escape unhurt after a gunman targeted a mosque they had visited in Christchurch today.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a statement via a tweet where they said, “All members of the Bangladesh Cricket Team in Christchurch, New Zealand are safely back in the hotel following the incident of shooting in the city. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is in constant contact with the players and team management.”
'Two explosive devices were found on two vehicles at the scene, one of them has been disabled' Mike Bush told media.
The suspects were unknown to the police, he added.
One person, a male in his late 20s, has been charged with murder. He will appear in the Christchurch Court tomorrow morning, New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush told media.
We have recovered a number of firearms from both of the scenes, Linwood Avenue and Deans Avenue, he added.
New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush says death toll has increased to 49 in mosque attacks.
"At the Deans Avenue mosque, we now know that 41 people have lost their lives. And at the Linwood mosque, 7 have lost their lives. Of the 40 people who have been treated at Christchurch Hospital, one has now passed. So the total number of people who have died in this horrendous event are 49".
"My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence," the official channel for UK Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted.
"Twelve operating theatres are currently in use and due to the nature of some of the injuries, many people will need multiple surgeries. There is sufficient capacity and staff at Christchurch Hospital and the police cordon has been lifted from the site, so people who need emergency health care can now attend the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department," according to David Meates, Chief Executive, Canterbury District Health Board.
"We have asked for some national services, which are usually provided in Christchurch, to be diverted to other centres e.g spinal cord injury service," he said in a statement.
New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush will brief the press at 9 pm (local time) to provide an update.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand's national security threat level has been lifted from low to high after mosque attacks.
The security threat level is now at the second-highest level, news agency AP reported.
"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," Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted.
"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," he added.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the events in Christchurch represented ``an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence'' and acknowledged many of those affected may be migrants and refugees. In addition to the dead, she said more than 20 people were seriously wounded.
"It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack,'' Ardern said.
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.
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed 40 people have died in today’s shooting.
Ardern said more than 20 people were seriously injured during the shootings at two mosques during Friday prayers.
Australia’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, while briefing the press said one of the suspects taken into custody is an 'Australian-born citizen'.
"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," Morrison tweeted.
"Australians stand with all New Zealanders today during this dark time," he said.
"Following the tragedy in Christchurch, the remainder of regional departures from Christchurch Friday evening have been cancelled," Air New Zealand said in a tweet.
"We are offering flexibility to anyone booked to travel to or from Christchurch today," it added.
"We have asked all mosques nationally to shut their doors, and advise that people refrain from visiting these premises until further notice," New Zealand Police tweeted.
NZ Police through a tweet confirmed that it has been dealing with at two mosques in Christchurch--one at Deans Avenue and one at Linwood Avenue.
It also said: "We can confirm there have been a number of fatalities. We cannot at this stage confirm the precise number but it is significant."
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
"Police can now confirm the lockdown of schools throughout Christchurch has been lifted. We would like to reassure members of the public that there is a large Police presence in the city and the safety of the community is our priority," New Zealand Police tweeted.
New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush has said the video circulating online, purportedly showing the New Zealand mosque shooting, is "very disturbing" and "shouldn't be in the public domain", reports Guardian. He adds that the police are trying to take it down from the internet.