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Christchurch shooting: 49 dead in terrorist attack at two mosques – live updates Christchurch shooting: 49 dead in terror attack at two mosques – live updates
(32 minutes later)
New Zealand police say they are evacuating neighbours of a property linked to the attack. Mohan Ibrahim has told the BBC that he survived the attack on the mosque by climbing out of a window.
‘It was 10-15 minutes of continuous shooting, it was so loud’Mohan Ibrahim escaped the New Zealand mosque attack by climbing out of a window.49 people have been killed in two mosques in Christchurch.https://t.co/dS05Z9LNaC pic.twitter.com/SHvZSRe5eB
The Spanish government has added its voice to the global chorus of condemnation.
“The Spanish government forcefully condemns the terrorist attack committed today against two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, with the tragic loss of at least 49 lives and the wounding of many more people,” it said in a statement.
“As well as wishing a swift recovery to the injured, the government offers its most sincere condolences to the friends and relatives of the victims , as well as to the people and government of New Zealand, a close ally in the shared fight against extremism and terrorism.”
A spokesman for the Foreign Office said the British High Commission in Wellington is in contact with the New Zealand authorities about the incident.
“British nationals in the area are advised to remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities,” he said. “The British High Commission in Wellington is in contact with the New Zealand authorities and urgently seeking further information.”
It has also updated its travel advice on New Zealand. It says:
There has been a series of shootings in multiple locations in Christchurch. If you are in the area are advised to remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. The British High Commission in Wellington is in contact with the New Zealand authorities and urgently seeking further information. Anyone worried that a British national may have been affected should call the New Zealand Police hotline: (+64) 0800 115 019 from within New Zealand or register with the Restoring Family Links (RFL) website from overseas.
New Zealand police say they are evacuating neighbours of a property in Dunedin linked to the attack.
2/2 Alternative accommodation has been provided for residentsrequiring it and cordons are in place in the Somerville Street and Everton Roadarea.There is no further information available at this time.2/2 Alternative accommodation has been provided for residentsrequiring it and cordons are in place in the Somerville Street and Everton Roadarea.There is no further information available at this time.
Dunedin, is about 350km (220 miles) south of Christchurch.
The Muslim Council of Britain has joined international condemnation of the attack and called for more police protection at UK mosques.The Muslim Council of Britain has joined international condemnation of the attack and called for more police protection at UK mosques.
Harun Khan, its secretary general, said:Harun Khan, its secretary general, said:
“This is the most deadly Islamophobic terrorist attack we have experienced in recent times.”“This is the most deadly Islamophobic terrorist attack we have experienced in recent times.”
“My condolences to the families affected. As the rest of us prepare to undertake our own Friday prayers today, we do so with the anxiety as to whether our mosques and communities are safe in the face of unabated Islamophobia and hostility against Muslims.“My condolences to the families affected. As the rest of us prepare to undertake our own Friday prayers today, we do so with the anxiety as to whether our mosques and communities are safe in the face of unabated Islamophobia and hostility against Muslims.
“I call on our government to redouble its efforts to ensure mosques are protected, and call on fellow Muslims to resist the temptation to roll up the banners in fear, as this attack was designed to do.”“I call on our government to redouble its efforts to ensure mosques are protected, and call on fellow Muslims to resist the temptation to roll up the banners in fear, as this attack was designed to do.”
Forty-nine people have been killed in shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. They included 41 people killed at the Deans Avenue mosque and seven at Linwood mosque. Another victim died later in Christchurch hospital.Forty-nine people have been killed in shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. They included 41 people killed at the Deans Avenue mosque and seven at Linwood mosque. Another victim died later in Christchurch hospital.
Christchurch hospital is treating 48 people, including young children, for gunshot wounds. In a statement he said injuries range from critical to minor.Christchurch hospital is treating 48 people, including young children, for gunshot wounds. In a statement he said injuries range from critical to minor.
A man in his late 20s has been charged with murder and will appear in Christchurch court tomorrow. The police have not named him.A man in his late 20s has been charged with murder and will appear in Christchurch court tomorrow. The police have not named him.
A 28-year-old Australian who livestreamed himself attacking a mosque identified himself online before the rampage as Brenton Tarrant. Tarrant posted multiple photos of what appear to be machine gun magazines and a link to what is being described as a manifesto for his actions. New Zealand Police urged people not to share “extremely distressing footage” related to the incident.A 28-year-old Australian who livestreamed himself attacking a mosque identified himself online before the rampage as Brenton Tarrant. Tarrant posted multiple photos of what appear to be machine gun magazines and a link to what is being described as a manifesto for his actions. New Zealand Police urged people not to share “extremely distressing footage” related to the incident.
Tarrant outlines his motivations: including to “create an atmosphere of fear” and to “incite violence” against Muslims while offering up autobiographical details. He also cited actions of other rightwing extremists including the Finsbury Park mosque attacker Darren Osborne and Norwegian mass-murderer Anders Behring Brevik.Tarrant outlines his motivations: including to “create an atmosphere of fear” and to “incite violence” against Muslims while offering up autobiographical details. He also cited actions of other rightwing extremists including the Finsbury Park mosque attacker Darren Osborne and Norwegian mass-murderer Anders Behring Brevik.
Two others arrested at the scene with guns are being investigated. A fourth person arrested may have had nothing to do with the attack, according to New Zealand’s police commission Mike Bush.Two others arrested at the scene with guns are being investigated. A fourth person arrested may have had nothing to do with the attack, according to New Zealand’s police commission Mike Bush.
Several guns have been recovered from both mosques. Two explosive devices were found on two vehicles at the scene. One has been disabled.Several guns have been recovered from both mosques. Two explosive devices were found on two vehicles at the scene. One has been disabled.
The suspects were unknown to the police. Bush said the attack was “very well planned.”The police remain vigilant but are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks.The suspects were unknown to the police. Bush said the attack was “very well planned.”The police remain vigilant but are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described it as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. She also confirmed it was “terrorist attack”. Ardern added: “Many directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here...They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not.”Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described it as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. She also confirmed it was “terrorist attack”. Ardern added: “Many directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here...They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison earlier confirmed one of the people arrested was an Australian citizen, and described the suspected attacker as an “extremist right-wing violent terrorist”.Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison earlier confirmed one of the people arrested was an Australian citizen, and described the suspected attacker as an “extremist right-wing violent terrorist”.
Christchurch remains on lockdown. Christchurch’s mayor, Lianne Dalziel, said the city appeared to have been targeted to show nowhere in the world was safe.Christchurch remains on lockdown. Christchurch’s mayor, Lianne Dalziel, said the city appeared to have been targeted to show nowhere in the world was safe.
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel has called for solidarity in the aftermath of the shooting.Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel has called for solidarity in the aftermath of the shooting.
Speaking to TV New Zealand she said:Speaking to TV New Zealand she said:
Obviously I’ve been very close to migrant communities in Christchurch. I was a member of Parliament, minister of immigration. I’ve had a very long and close association with many people, with many Muslim people ... The family and friends of all of those who have been affected today, just my heart goes out to you. I know that people around the world have been reaching out to me this afternoon to pass on their love and support and caring for the situation that we find ourselves in.Obviously I’ve been very close to migrant communities in Christchurch. I was a member of Parliament, minister of immigration. I’ve had a very long and close association with many people, with many Muslim people ... The family and friends of all of those who have been affected today, just my heart goes out to you. I know that people around the world have been reaching out to me this afternoon to pass on their love and support and caring for the situation that we find ourselves in.
It looks as if this was a very deliberate, cold, hard and deliberate, decision to undertake this attack in the first place. But to choose Christchurch to prove to the world that nowhere was safe, and to choose Christchurch in that way, I guess, shows the randomness ... The act of terrorism is designed to cause terror and the only way that we can combat that force is to join together and to care for each other across religious lines, every line that you can imagine that we divide ourselves by. We’ve got to make this unite us, not divide us.It looks as if this was a very deliberate, cold, hard and deliberate, decision to undertake this attack in the first place. But to choose Christchurch to prove to the world that nowhere was safe, and to choose Christchurch in that way, I guess, shows the randomness ... The act of terrorism is designed to cause terror and the only way that we can combat that force is to join together and to care for each other across religious lines, every line that you can imagine that we divide ourselves by. We’ve got to make this unite us, not divide us.
Earlier, Dalziel posted this video message on Facebook.Earlier, Dalziel posted this video message on Facebook.
"I never could believe that something like this would ever happen in the city of Christchurch," says Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch #ChristchurchShootings. pic.twitter.com/SwloYWmSs6"I never could believe that something like this would ever happen in the city of Christchurch," says Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch #ChristchurchShootings. pic.twitter.com/SwloYWmSs6
Tarrant’s extremist manifesto also cites ‘Darren Osbourne’ an apparent reference to Darren Osborne who was jailed for life for his murderous attack on Muslims at London’s Finsbury Park mosque in June 2017.Tarrant’s extremist manifesto also cites ‘Darren Osbourne’ an apparent reference to Darren Osborne who was jailed for life for his murderous attack on Muslims at London’s Finsbury Park mosque in June 2017.
It said: “I support many of those that take a stand against ethnic and cultural genocide. Luca Traini, Anders Breivik, Dylan Roof, Anton Lundin Pettersson, Darren Osbourne etc.”It said: “I support many of those that take a stand against ethnic and cultural genocide. Luca Traini, Anders Breivik, Dylan Roof, Anton Lundin Pettersson, Darren Osbourne etc.”
Osborne was convicted of murdering Makram Ali and the attempted murders of other people in the attack. The judge said he attacked innocent people, but his particular choice to target a group wearing traditional Islamic dress reflected his “ideology of hate towards Muslims”.Osborne was convicted of murdering Makram Ali and the attempted murders of other people in the attack. The judge said he attacked innocent people, but his particular choice to target a group wearing traditional Islamic dress reflected his “ideology of hate towards Muslims”.
The man who livestreamed himself attacking a Christchurch mosque and murdering at least 40 people identified himself online before the rampage as Australian citizen Brenton Tarrant.The man who livestreamed himself attacking a Christchurch mosque and murdering at least 40 people identified himself online before the rampage as Australian citizen Brenton Tarrant.
On a now-deleted Twitter account, Tarrant posted multiple photos of what appear to be machine gun magazines and a link to what is being described as a manifesto for his actions.On a now-deleted Twitter account, Tarrant posted multiple photos of what appear to be machine gun magazines and a link to what is being described as a manifesto for his actions.
The 74-page document starts off quoting a Dylan Thomas poem, Do not go gentle into that good night, and then moves onto a rant about white genocide.The 74-page document starts off quoting a Dylan Thomas poem, Do not go gentle into that good night, and then moves onto a rant about white genocide.
Tarrant outlines his motivations: including to “create an atmosphere of fear” and to “incite violence” against Muslims while offering up autobiographical details.Tarrant outlines his motivations: including to “create an atmosphere of fear” and to “incite violence” against Muslims while offering up autobiographical details.
Tarrant, an Australian citizen who is believed to come from the northern New South Wales town of Grafton, entitles his document ‘The Great Replacement’Tarrant, an Australian citizen who is believed to come from the northern New South Wales town of Grafton, entitles his document ‘The Great Replacement’
Here are the key points from the New Zealand police commissioner’s press conference:Here are the key points from the New Zealand police commissioner’s press conference:
49 people were killed in the attack, including 41 at Deans Avenue mosque and seven at Linwood mosque. Another victim died in hospital.49 people were killed in the attack, including 41 at Deans Avenue mosque and seven at Linwood mosque. Another victim died in hospital.
A man in his late 20s has been charged with murder and will appear in Christchurch court tomorrow.A man in his late 20s has been charged with murder and will appear in Christchurch court tomorrow.
Two others arrested at the scene with guns are being investigated. A fourth person arrested may have had nothing to do with the attack.Two others arrested at the scene with guns are being investigated. A fourth person arrested may have had nothing to do with the attack.
Several guns have been recovered from both mosques. Two explosive devices were found on two vehicles at the scene. One has been disabled.Several guns have been recovered from both mosques. Two explosive devices were found on two vehicles at the scene. One has been disabled.
The suspects were unknown to the police.The suspects were unknown to the police.
The police remain vigilant but are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks.The police remain vigilant but are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks.
Here’s more of transcript of the press conference via the Australian TV transcription site TVeeder.Here’s more of transcript of the press conference via the Australian TV transcription site TVeeder.
Q: Are you in search of any other suspect?Q: Are you in search of any other suspect?
We never assume that there aren’t other people involved. That’s why we’ve got immense presence out there across Canterbury and right across New Zealand, but we don’t have named or identified people that we’re looking for, but it would be wrong to assume that there is no-one else.We never assume that there aren’t other people involved. That’s why we’ve got immense presence out there across Canterbury and right across New Zealand, but we don’t have named or identified people that we’re looking for, but it would be wrong to assume that there is no-one else.
Q: So you’re not actively looking for any other shooter at this stage?Q: So you’re not actively looking for any other shooter at this stage?
At this point, we are not actively looking for any identified persons.At this point, we are not actively looking for any identified persons.
Q: How many day, weeks, month, in the planning do you think this attack was?Q: How many day, weeks, month, in the planning do you think this attack was?
I couldn’t tell you, but I think - I don’t need to tell you, this is a very well-planned event.I couldn’t tell you, but I think - I don’t need to tell you, this is a very well-planned event.
Q: Was explosives on the body of one of the attackers?Q: Was explosives on the body of one of the attackers?
So I’m aware of that commentary as well. What I can say is that that person may have suggested that. We have eliminated that as a possibility. There was not - we’ve also talked about IED devices on two vehicles. I would like to clarify that and say that there were possibly two IDs on one vehicle and we’ve disabled one and we’re in the process of disabling the other, with the assistance of the Defence Force deaf.So I’m aware of that commentary as well. What I can say is that that person may have suggested that. We have eliminated that as a possibility. There was not - we’ve also talked about IED devices on two vehicles. I would like to clarify that and say that there were possibly two IDs on one vehicle and we’ve disabled one and we’re in the process of disabling the other, with the assistance of the Defence Force deaf.
Q: Do controlled explosions have anything to do with this investigation?Q: Do controlled explosions have anything to do with this investigation?
We believe not, but of course there is a real heightened sense out there in the communities.We believe not, but of course there is a real heightened sense out there in the communities.
People are being very vigilant and I congratulate them and we’ve dealt with that. Two bags that have left, they have been detonated and we don’t believe they are any further threat.People are being very vigilant and I congratulate them and we’ve dealt with that. Two bags that have left, they have been detonated and we don’t believe they are any further threat.
Q: Are you concerned that this event could be coordinated - there could be other events coming?Q: Are you concerned that this event could be coordinated - there could be other events coming?
We don’t have any information to that extent, but it’s always important to take preventative precautions and that’s exactly what we’re doing.We don’t have any information to that extent, but it’s always important to take preventative precautions and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Q: Was Christchurch Hospital targeted?Q: Was Christchurch Hospital targeted?
No, I think there was some early reporting of that, but it was confused with the fact that 40 people were taken there very quickly for emergency medical treatment, and it was not targeted.No, I think there was some early reporting of that, but it was confused with the fact that 40 people were taken there very quickly for emergency medical treatment, and it was not targeted.
Q: Obviously mosques are closed and synagogues should close, is that true?Q: Obviously mosques are closed and synagogues should close, is that true?
I’m not aware that have advice, but we’re giving everyone advice to be very vigilant and take care of yourselves and report anything that you might find suspicious so we can respond immediately.I’m not aware that have advice, but we’re giving everyone advice to be very vigilant and take care of yourselves and report anything that you might find suspicious so we can respond immediately.
Q: Were police aware that there was a suggestion that an attack could have been planned for StPatrick’s Day?Q: Were police aware that there was a suggestion that an attack could have been planned for StPatrick’s Day?
I don’t have any intelligence to that effect.I don’t have any intelligence to that effect.
Q: How many police are currently in Christchurch?Q: How many police are currently in Christchurch?
Well, they have a force of over 1,000.Well, they have a force of over 1,000.
Here’s a partial transcript of the Q&A with reporters.Here’s a partial transcript of the Q&A with reporters.
Q: Why were these people not on a security watch list? Were they completely unknown to police?Q: Why were these people not on a security watch list? Were they completely unknown to police?
That’s a very good question. What I want to tell you is that no agency had any information about these people, and I can also tell you that I’ve been in contact with my Australian colleagues - they have no information on them at all either. And they are assisting with our inquiries. But I can also add that part of our investigation will be to look back at every possibility to ensure that we, in law enforcement and security, didn’t miss any opportunities to prevent this horrendous event.That’s a very good question. What I want to tell you is that no agency had any information about these people, and I can also tell you that I’ve been in contact with my Australian colleagues - they have no information on them at all either. And they are assisting with our inquiries. But I can also add that part of our investigation will be to look back at every possibility to ensure that we, in law enforcement and security, didn’t miss any opportunities to prevent this horrendous event.
Q: Who carried out the shootings at Deans Avenue mosque? Was it the same person who carried out the shootings at Linwood?Q: Who carried out the shootings at Deans Avenue mosque? Was it the same person who carried out the shootings at Linwood?
Look, I would love to go into detail, but a person has been charged. For me to now go into details of who did what would not be proper.Look, I would love to go into detail, but a person has been charged. For me to now go into details of who did what would not be proper.
Again, I know there is a name within the public domain, but it would be improper for me now to confirm that because a person has been charged.Again, I know there is a name within the public domain, but it would be improper for me now to confirm that because a person has been charged.
Q: There was a threat on Facebook - on a Facebook page made towards the Islamic community. Are you aware that, that police had an early warning of this attack?Q: There was a threat on Facebook - on a Facebook page made towards the Islamic community. Are you aware that, that police had an early warning of this attack?
I’m aware of that suggestion which we’re working through at the moment. When I have absolute clarity about that, I will be sharing that.I’m aware of that suggestion which we’re working through at the moment. When I have absolute clarity about that, I will be sharing that.
Here’s a transcript of Bush’s opening statement:Here’s a transcript of Bush’s opening statement:
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 thishorrendous event are 49.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 thishorrendous event are 49.
And our hearts go out to them and all of their families, all of their friends, all of their loved ones, and I want to assure everyone that we will do our best for themAnd our hearts go out to them and all of their families, all of their friends, all of their loved ones, and I want to assure everyone that we will do our best for them
I would like to also add that so far one person, a male in his late 20s, has been charged with murder, and should appear in the Christchurch Court tomorrow morning.I would like to also add that so far one person, a male in his late 20s, has been charged with murder, and should appear in the Christchurch Court tomorrow morning.
Three other people were apprehended. We believe one of those persons who was armed and was at the scene may have had nothing to do with this incident, and the two other people that have been apprehended, again in possession of firearms in the general environment, we are working through to understand what their involvement is.Three other people were apprehended. We believe one of those persons who was armed and was at the scene may have had nothing to do with this incident, and the two other people that have been apprehended, again in possession of firearms in the general environment, we are working through to understand what their involvement is.
We have recovered a number of firearms from both of the scenes, Linwood Avenue and Deans Avenue.We have recovered a number of firearms from both of the scenes, Linwood Avenue and Deans Avenue.
I would like to assure everyone around New Zealand that every available police and emergency resource with our other government agencies and Defence Force are doing everything they can to keep our communities safe.I would like to assure everyone around New Zealand that every available police and emergency resource with our other government agencies and Defence Force are doing everything they can to keep our communities safe.
We have had no other threats since we responded to this incident. We are working with a wide range of community to give support to everyone who needs it.We have had no other threats since we responded to this incident. We are working with a wide range of community to give support to everyone who needs it.
We have staff around the country ensuring that everyone is kept safe and that includes our armed defenders and special tactics groups right across the country being very vigilant and having a presence around all of our mosques, to ensure nothing further occurs. As I said, this is an evolving situation.We have staff around the country ensuring that everyone is kept safe and that includes our armed defenders and special tactics groups right across the country being very vigilant and having a presence around all of our mosques, to ensure nothing further occurs. As I said, this is an evolving situation.
We will continue to bring you as much information as we possibly can. I will answer your questions in a minute if I can, but before I do, I would like to communicate the 0800 number for people to call for more information, especially around their loved ones, and that number is 0800115019.We will continue to bring you as much information as we possibly can. I will answer your questions in a minute if I can, but before I do, I would like to communicate the 0800 number for people to call for more information, especially around their loved ones, and that number is 0800115019.
I would also like to commend - and some of you would have seen the brave actions on social media of police staff who responded to this incident - they have gone above and beyond their communities to apprehend at least one of these offenders. So I take my hat off to all of my staff.I would also like to commend - and some of you would have seen the brave actions on social media of police staff who responded to this incident - they have gone above and beyond their communities to apprehend at least one of these offenders. So I take my hat off to all of my staff.
I’m extremely proud of what they have done to date. Thank you.I’m extremely proud of what they have done to date. Thank you.
Bush refuses to name the suspected attacker. He said as the individual had been charged it would not be proper to confirm the name.Bush refuses to name the suspected attacker. He said as the individual had been charged it would not be proper to confirm the name.