Wellington, Mar 15: At least 49 were killed and over 30 injured after a terrorist opened fire on Friday prayers at two mosques in New Zealand killing many worshippers and forcing the city of Christchurch into lockdown as police launched a massive manhunt.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that the gunman is a citizen of his country. He also called the shooter an “extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist”.
A man who claimed responsibility for the shootings said in a manifesto that he was a 28-year-old white Australian who came to New Zealand only to plan and train for the attack.
Police said multiple fatalities had occurred at two mosques, but they’re not aware of other suspects beyond the four who have been arrested after two mosque shootings but they can’t be certain.
Video footage widely circulated on social media, apparently taken by a gunman and posted online live as the attack unfolded, showed him driving to one mosque, entering it and shooting randomly at people inside.
Worshippers, possibly dead or wounded, lay huddled on the floor of the mosque, the video showed.
Witnesses told media that a man dressed in a military-style, camouflage outfit, and carrying an automatic rifle had started randomly shooting people in the Al Noor mosque.
The Bangladesh cricket team was arriving for Friday prayers when the shooting occurred but all members were safe, a team coach told Reuters.
New Zealand’s Police Commissioner Mike Bush said “as far as we know” multiple fatalities occurred at two mosques. Police had one person in custody but they were not sure if others were involved, and people should stay away from mosques.
Police said earlier they were hunting “an active shooter” in the centre of Christchurch city.
“A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter,” New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said.
“Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high.”
The online video footage appeared to have been captured on a camera strapped to the gunman’s head.
After parking his vehicle he took two guns and walked a short distance to the entrance of the mosque.
He then opened fire. Over the course of five minutes, he repeatedly shoots worshippers, leaving well over a dozen bodies in one room alone. He returned to the car during that period to change guns, and went back to the mosque to shoot anyone showing signs of life.
Police said the second mosque attacked was in the suburb of Linwood.
All Christchurch schools and council buildings were placed into lockdown.
Radio New Zealand quoted a witness inside the Al Noor mosque saying he heard shots fired and at least four people were lying on the ground and “there was blood everywhere”.
“Horrified to hear of Christchurch mosque shootings. There is never a justification for that sort of hatred,” said Amy Adams, a member of parliament from Christchurch.
The Bangladesh cricket team is in Christchurch to play New Zealand in a third cricket test starting on Saturday.
“They were on the bus, which was just pulling up to the mosque when the shooting begun,” Mario Villavarayen, strength and conditioning coach of the Bangladesh cricket team, told Reuters in a message.
The third cricket test was cancelled, New Zealand Cricket said later.
Muslims account for just over 1 per cent of New Zealand’s population, a 2013 census showed.
“Many of those who would have been affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand,” Ardern said.
“They may even be refugees here. They have chosen to make New Zealand their home and it is their home … they are us. The persons who has perpetuated this violence against us … have no place in New Zealand.” (Agencies)
PM Modi condemns, writes to country’s premiere
Monitor News Desk
New Delhi, Mar 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the world leaders to condemn the mindless shootings in mosques of New Zealand’s Christchurch on Friday.
The shootings led to death of 49 people while many others were hurt.
In a letter to PM of New Zealand, Prime Minister Modi stressed India’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
He added that condemnation is also of all those who support such acts of violence.
PM Modi stressed that hatred and violence have no place in diverse and democratic societies.
Attack reaffirms terrorism has no religion: Imran
Monitor News Desk
Islamabad, Mar 15: Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch killing at least 49 people and injuring scores others.
While taking to his Twitter, he said, “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.”
Mirwaiz expresses shock, says humanity has become a casualty
Monitor News Bureau
Srinagar, Mar 15: Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday expressed shock over the twin mosques terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand.
“Shocked and Deeply grieved by the barbaric attack at twin mosques in #Christchurch New Zealand. Multiple fatalities feared. Once again Humanity becomes a casualty. Condemnation beyond words. prayers for the victims (sic),” Mirwaiz said on Twitter.
