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Christchurch shooting: 49 dead in terror attack at two mosques – live updates Christchurch shooting: 49 dead in terror attack at two mosques – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Users of the far-right message board, where the main suspect in the shooting announced his attack, have a long history of courting extremism.
Founded in 2013, 8Chan was created as a splinter of the better-known 4Chan image board, after the latter began cracking down on posts supporting the antifeminist “Gamergate” movement.
In the years since, the site, described by its founder as a “free-speech-friendly” 4Chan alternative, has become notorious for not only hosting one of the most active white supremacist communities on the internet, but also for legal battles over users who post child pornography on the site, and links to illegal content elsewhere.
In 2018, 8Chan became the main home of the QAnon conspiracy group, which believes that the “deep state” is conspiring to prevent Donald Trump from achieving his goals as president.
The politics subforum of 8chan, known as /pol/, is the home of the site’s white supremacist community. It is there that the attacker posted news of his intention to go on a shooting spree, writing “it’s time to stop shitposting and time to make a real life effort post”.
The announcement was received with glee from users on the site, who wished the terrorist “best of luck” and said they “can’t wait to see the news reports”. Some did express concern that the news would result in 8Chan getting shut down, although one noted that a ban “would force us to start working IRL”.
Farid Ahmed a senior member of Al Noor mosque in Christchurch explained how the attack unfolded, writes Clea Skopeliti
Speaking to the BBC, he said:
“I was inside the mosque, in the side room and the Imam had started the sermon so everyone was settled, it was very peaceful calm and quiet as usual.
“Then suddenly the shooting started. It started in the main room, so I did not see who was shooting but I saw that people were running out through the room that I was in and I saw that some people had blood on their bodies and were limping.
“At that moment I realised that it was really serious - a couple of people said to me, you’re in a wheelchair, you’ve got to get out now and I pushed myself to the back where my car was parked and I was behind the car.
“From there, I was hearing the shooting, the shooting, the shooting. It went on about six minutes or more.
“I could hear screaming and crying. I saw some people drop dead, some running away. I couldn’t because I was in the wheelchair, and also I didn’t want to - I was afraid of what was going to happen to the ladies, what was going to happen to my wife.”
Downing Street has urged social media companies to act quickly to remove the video purporting to show a livestream of the attack.
On social media companies posting live-stream video of Christchurch massacre, Downing Street spokeswoman says: “there should be no safe spaces for terrorists to share their extreme views.... all [media] companies need to act quickly to remove terrorist content.”
New Zealand’s former prime minister Helen Clark has called for tougher gun laws.
Speaking to ABC new she said:
We do have gun control. People have to be fit and proper persons to have guns, but undoubtedly the law can be strengthened and improved. Personally, I would be surprised if the New Zealand Parliament didn’t accept that challenge head on to strengthen the law. I think we could do better and a tragedy like this brings that forward as a priority.
She also praised her successor’s statement.
I think Jacinda Ardern has struck exactly the right note. Firstly, it is a note of deep empathy, with families and a community which is in grief and shock. But she has also pointed to the police response. Knowing Jacinda Ardern, she will want to leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of this. And to know what New Zealand needs to do better to stop it ever happening again.
UK police are stepping up patrols around mosques following the attack, PA reports.
Officers will be deployed to provide reassurance as Muslims attend Friday prayers around the country.
They will also liaise with places of worship about their protective security measures. National policing lead for counter-terrorism Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said:
“Together with our intelligence partners we continually monitor the varied threats we face, including to and around places of worship and specific communities across the country, to ensure we have the most appropriate protective security measures in place to keep people safe.
“Today we will be stepping up reassurance patrols around mosques and increasing engagement with communities of all faith, giving advice on how people and places can protect themselves.”
West Midlands Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward said officers will be engaging with key religious buildings to reassure local people. He added:
“We will continue to work closely together and unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to intimidate or cause fear.
“For us the focus now is the protection of those we serve in the West Midlands. As we are all very aware we face a sustained and determined threat to our security.”
The Muslim Council of Britain called on the Government to redouble efforts to ensure mosques are protected (see earlier).
This map shows the key locations in the Christchurch attack – the two mosques and Brougham Street were one of the suspects was arrested.This map shows the key locations in the Christchurch attack – the two mosques and Brougham Street were one of the suspects was arrested.
The Queen has sent a message of her condolences.The Queen has sent a message of her condolences.
...I also pay tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who are providing support to those who have been injured.At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders.Elizabeth R. (2/2)https://t.co/65pL375hFC...I also pay tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who are providing support to those who have been injured.At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders.Elizabeth R. (2/2)https://t.co/65pL375hFC
Mahmood Naseur told TV New Zealand he was forced to hide from the shooter.Mahmood Naseur told TV New Zealand he was forced to hide from the shooter.
We heard the firing and it was from the main entrance of the building, and then everybody just ran toward the back doors, just to save themselves. First we hid behind the cars and under the cars and then we saw the firing was still going on.We heard the firing and it was from the main entrance of the building, and then everybody just ran toward the back doors, just to save themselves. First we hid behind the cars and under the cars and then we saw the firing was still going on.
We tried to jump the fence, and then we hid in the next house to the mosque. One person we saw was hit with a bullet in her hand and her arm. And when the firing stopped, I just have a look from over the fence, there was one guy changing the gun in the driveway next to the mosque, and he just took the gun and then started firing again.We tried to jump the fence, and then we hid in the next house to the mosque. One person we saw was hit with a bullet in her hand and her arm. And when the firing stopped, I just have a look from over the fence, there was one guy changing the gun in the driveway next to the mosque, and he just took the gun and then started firing again.
After that, when the police came, they asked us to come outside, but we stayed there for 10, 15 minutes. We saw many injured and a lady, lying on the road.After that, when the police came, they asked us to come outside, but we stayed there for 10, 15 minutes. We saw many injured and a lady, lying on the road.
Here’s the start of our latest news story:Here’s the start of our latest news story:
Forty-nine people have been shot dead and 48 injured in attacks at two mosques during Friday prayers in Christchurch, the worst mass shooting in New Zealand’s history.Forty-nine people have been shot dead and 48 injured in attacks at two mosques during Friday prayers in Christchurch, the worst mass shooting in New Zealand’s history.
The prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said this was “one of New Zealand’s darkest days” as police uncovered explosive devices attached to cars and commissioner Mike Bush urged all mosques across the country to close their doors for the time being.The prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said this was “one of New Zealand’s darkest days” as police uncovered explosive devices attached to cars and commissioner Mike Bush urged all mosques across the country to close their doors for the time being.
One explosive had been safely detonated and another was in the process of being dismantled, Bush said, but the situation was still “evolving” with a real possibility of further offenders being explored. New Zealand’s entire police arsenal and personnel were deployed throughout the country and en masse in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, which is known to have an active white-supremacist subculture.One explosive had been safely detonated and another was in the process of being dismantled, Bush said, but the situation was still “evolving” with a real possibility of further offenders being explored. New Zealand’s entire police arsenal and personnel were deployed throughout the country and en masse in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, which is known to have an active white-supremacist subculture.
Hotels in the inner city stationed security guards at their entrances, and armed police continued to protect landmarks of significance, including the courthouse and Christchurch hospital, which is believed to have been a further target of the suspected terrorist group, with a Christchurch spokesperson telling local media police were concerned the group had plans to target the victims of the mosque attack as they were transported to hospital.Hotels in the inner city stationed security guards at their entrances, and armed police continued to protect landmarks of significance, including the courthouse and Christchurch hospital, which is believed to have been a further target of the suspected terrorist group, with a Christchurch spokesperson telling local media police were concerned the group had plans to target the victims of the mosque attack as they were transported to hospital.
49 shot dead in attack on two Christchurch mosques49 shot dead in attack on two Christchurch mosques
Mohan Ibrahim has told the BBC that he survived the attack on the mosque by climbing out of a window.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‘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 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.“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.”“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.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.”“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: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.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.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.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.
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 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.
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.
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.”
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 Mayor Lianne Dalziel has called for solidarity in the aftermath of the shooting.
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.
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.
"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.
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”.
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.
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, 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:
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.
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.
The suspects were unknown to the police.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
I don’t have any intelligence to that effect.
Q: How many police are currently in Christchurch?
Well, they have a force of over 1,000.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Bush refuses to name the suspected attacker. He said as the individual had been charged it would not be proper to confirm the name.