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New Zealand shooting: 49 dead in terrorist attack at two mosques – live updates New Zealand shooting: 49 dead in terrorist attack at two mosques – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Renaud Camus’ 2011 book The Great Replacement seems to have inspired the gunman’s 74-page “manifesto” – it certainly served as the title for it. The French far-right polemicist has denounced the murders as “terrorist, terrible, criminal, disastrous and imbecilic”.
Camus, 72, told Agence France-Presse that the gunman “cannot claim to have acted according to my writings because I argue the opposite. If he wrote a brochure titled The Great Replacement it’s plagiarism, an abusive use of a phrase that is not his and that he plainly does not understand.”
The essayist, whose “theory” that Europe’s white majority is being steadily replaced by non-white, often Muslim immigrants, is often advanced by far right and anti-immigration figures in France and elsewhere on the continent, was convicted in 2015 of incitement to hatred or violence against Muslims.
Camus told AFP was was “absolutely non-violent. I utterly condemn these acts.” He added, however, that “what worries me most about what I call ‘the great replacement’ is precisely the extent to which it could encourage violence, of all kinds, in everyday life but also – obviously – in acts of terrorism”.
It seemed to him that the gunman was more likely to have been inspired by the Islamist terror attacks carried out in France in the past four or five years, he said: “I do not see what he should be more inspired by me than by acts that directly resemble those he carried out.”
Prime minister Theresa May has released a statement, confirming that she has been in touch with New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern over the “horrifying terrorist attack”:
“To target Muslims as they were attending their place of worship is despicable. And our thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Zealand, with the families and friends of those who have died in these attacks and with all those who have been injured. The UK stands ready to support New Zealand however we can.
Through terror attacks that have taken place on UK soil we know only too well the pain that such horrifying attacks can cause. As New Zealand has stood by us so we stand shoulder to shoulder with them, and with Muslims in New Zealand, here in the UK and around the world.
There can be no place in our societies for the vile ideology that drives and incites hatred and fear. Together we will defeat those who seek to destroy our values, our way of life and seek to divide us.”
US President Donald Trump’s extension of “thoughts and prayers” to New Zealand has been rejected by the national civil rights organisation, Muslim Advocates, as “an inadequate response”.
Thoughts & prayers are not enough to respond to the #NewZealandShooting. It is time for concrete action. The President must disavow white nationalism & this attack.The FBI must prioritize hate violence.Tech companies must prevent the streaming/spreading of these videos. pic.twitter.com/HPPkw6kDSF
Executive director Farhana Khera highlighted the president’s own role in fanning the flames of Islamophobia across the world, with “historic levels of hate crimes motivated by anti-Muslim bigotry” in recent years.
“In the wake of this heartbreaking, anti-Muslim mass slaughter, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect Muslims and all vulnerable communities from the very real dangers posed by hate and white nationalists. … It is not enough for President Trump to merely send thoughts and prayers. The President called neo-nazis and white nationalists ‘very fine people.’ This hate-filled murderer drew inspiration from Trump, and the white nationalist movement has celebrated Trump’s words and policies.”
The US attorney-general, William P Barr, has issued this statement on behalf of the justice department in Washington, going notably further than the president’s own “God bless all!”:
“Violence on the basis of religion is evil. Today’s attack in New Zealand is a sobering reminder that the threat of political and religious violence is real and that we must remain vigilant against it.”
After the 7 July bombings in London in 2005, Dr HA Hellyer was appointed as deputy convenor of a UK government working group looking at precisely what factors led to people becoming swept up in extremism. Though there were other factors, the group found that ideas and ideology played a significant part:
“we could not simply cast aside the importance of extremist discourse and dogma. ... It would be wrong to minimise the extent to which ideas energised people, and provided their rationalisation for violent acts.
By the same token, it would be outrageous to fail to recognise that the unbridled, nativistic, anti-Muslim bigotry that has become so widespread in our societies has nothing to do with this attack in New Zealand.”
Hellyer has written today for the Guardian’s opinion section:
The Islamophobia that led to the Christchurch shooting must be confronted | HA Hellyer
Lecturer Dr Zurinawati Mohi was near the Malaysian-Korea border en route to Hatyai for work when she was alerted to the attack by a friend, she told the New Straits Times. Her husband, Mohd Nazri Hisham Omar, 46, has lived in Christchurch with three of their children, aged 17, 13 and 9, since January.Lecturer Dr Zurinawati Mohi was near the Malaysian-Korea border en route to Hatyai for work when she was alerted to the attack by a friend, she told the New Straits Times. Her husband, Mohd Nazri Hisham Omar, 46, has lived in Christchurch with three of their children, aged 17, 13 and 9, since January.
“To get confirmation, I immediately called my husband and three children but my calls went unanswered. Not long after that, one of my kids sent me a WhatsApp message telling me their father was injured,” she said.“To get confirmation, I immediately called my husband and three children but my calls went unanswered. Not long after that, one of my kids sent me a WhatsApp message telling me their father was injured,” she said.
Zurinawati, 48, said her husband was badly injured in the attack, though she did not know what his condition was in hospital. “Our three children are safe but traumatised following what happened.”Zurinawati, 48, said her husband was badly injured in the attack, though she did not know what his condition was in hospital. “Our three children are safe but traumatised following what happened.”
She intends to travel to New Zealand with their eldest son, 19, as soon as possible.She intends to travel to New Zealand with their eldest son, 19, as soon as possible.
The Malaysian High Commission in Wellington has so far confirmed only one Malaysian citizen among those injured, but the number is expected to rise given the number of nations resident in Christchurch. The foreign ministry of Malaysia condemned “in the strongest terms, this senseless act of terror on innocent civilians” and called for “those responsible for this barbaric crime be brought to justice”.The Malaysian High Commission in Wellington has so far confirmed only one Malaysian citizen among those injured, but the number is expected to rise given the number of nations resident in Christchurch. The foreign ministry of Malaysia condemned “in the strongest terms, this senseless act of terror on innocent civilians” and called for “those responsible for this barbaric crime be brought to justice”.
Malaysia condemns in the strongest term, the senseless act of terror on innocent civilians and hopes that those responsible for this barbaric crime be brought to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of today’s shooting incident in New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/GKP4GJ2EQJMalaysia condemns in the strongest term, the senseless act of terror on innocent civilians and hopes that those responsible for this barbaric crime be brought to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of today’s shooting incident in New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/GKP4GJ2EQJ
Another Malaysian national, Mohd Tarmizi Shuib, has been identified as injured in the attack. A former classmate told The New Straits Times that Shib, a flight simulator operator, had been at the Al Noor mosque with his wife and two of his four children for Friday night prayers.Another Malaysian national, Mohd Tarmizi Shuib, has been identified as injured in the attack. A former classmate told The New Straits Times that Shib, a flight simulator operator, had been at the Al Noor mosque with his wife and two of his four children for Friday night prayers.
When the shooting began, the friend said, Mohd Tarmizi Shuib ran off with his son Hariz and was shot in the back. Hariz is safe, but 17-year-old Haziq is thought to still be unaccounted for. “For now, we can only pray that all will be fine and hope Haziq is found safe,” Shuib’s sister, Zarina Shuib, 53, told the Malay Mail from her home in Hutan Kampung.When the shooting began, the friend said, Mohd Tarmizi Shuib ran off with his son Hariz and was shot in the back. Hariz is safe, but 17-year-old Haziq is thought to still be unaccounted for. “For now, we can only pray that all will be fine and hope Haziq is found safe,” Shuib’s sister, Zarina Shuib, 53, told the Malay Mail from her home in Hutan Kampung.
Shuib had migrated to New Zealand about 18 months ago after his eldest daughter, 19, was offered a place to study at university there. He and his wife, an academic, had lived in the country once before for about three or four years, according to Zarina Shuib.Shuib had migrated to New Zealand about 18 months ago after his eldest daughter, 19, was offered a place to study at university there. He and his wife, an academic, had lived in the country once before for about three or four years, according to Zarina Shuib.
So far none of the dead have been formally identified, but relatives of the injured have been speaking to local press in Malaysia and Indonesia, both predominantly Muslim countries.So far none of the dead have been formally identified, but relatives of the injured have been speaking to local press in Malaysia and Indonesia, both predominantly Muslim countries.
The Malay Mail has named one of the injured Malaysian nationals as Rahimi Ahmad, in a critical condition on Friday after being shot in the abdomen and spine at the Masjid Al Noor. He was due to undergo more surgery to remove bullets on Saturday.The Malay Mail has named one of the injured Malaysian nationals as Rahimi Ahmad, in a critical condition on Friday after being shot in the abdomen and spine at the Masjid Al Noor. He was due to undergo more surgery to remove bullets on Saturday.
Ahmad, a technician, moved to New Zealand from Penang four years ago to support his wife, Norazila Wahid, in her studies there. The couple have two children, aged nine and 11. The eldest boy, Ahmad Razif, was also at the mosque compound at the time of the attack but was not thought to be injured, reported the New Straits Times.Ahmad, a technician, moved to New Zealand from Penang four years ago to support his wife, Norazila Wahid, in her studies there. The couple have two children, aged nine and 11. The eldest boy, Ahmad Razif, was also at the mosque compound at the time of the attack but was not thought to be injured, reported the New Straits Times.
“When I heard about the mass shooting, I tried calling my daughter-in-law but I could not contact her,” Ahmad’s mother, Rokiah Mohammad, told the Malay Mail. “I was so worried because he goes to a mosque near his house which looked like the mosque in the news.” Arrangements were being made for her to fly to New Zealand to join the family, along with Ahmad’s elder brother.“When I heard about the mass shooting, I tried calling my daughter-in-law but I could not contact her,” Ahmad’s mother, Rokiah Mohammad, told the Malay Mail. “I was so worried because he goes to a mosque near his house which looked like the mosque in the news.” Arrangements were being made for her to fly to New Zealand to join the family, along with Ahmad’s elder brother.
The rest of the world is continuing to respond to the horrific attack in Christchurch.The rest of the world is continuing to respond to the horrific attack in Christchurch.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl’s letter to Trevor Mallard, New Zealand’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, was just shared by the Irish Houses of Parliament on Twitter.Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl’s letter to Trevor Mallard, New Zealand’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, was just shared by the Irish Houses of Parliament on Twitter.
A letter of condolence from Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD to the Right Honourable Mr Trevor Mallard MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, New Zealand on the tragic events in Christchurch earlier today. pic.twitter.com/CpqHt9VuRjA letter of condolence from Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD to the Right Honourable Mr Trevor Mallard MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, New Zealand on the tragic events in Christchurch earlier today. pic.twitter.com/CpqHt9VuRj
In it Fearghaíl writes that the Irish Parliament “stands shoulder to shoulder with our New Zealand friends at this time of dreadful violence and blind hatred”, and comments on the similarities between the two countries:In it Fearghaíl writes that the Irish Parliament “stands shoulder to shoulder with our New Zealand friends at this time of dreadful violence and blind hatred”, and comments on the similarities between the two countries:
While many thousands of miles geographically separate our two small proud nations, the strong bonds of friendship between New Zealand and Ireland are long established and enduring, regularly rejuvenated by fresh waves of Irish and New Zealand citizens ...While many thousands of miles geographically separate our two small proud nations, the strong bonds of friendship between New Zealand and Ireland are long established and enduring, regularly rejuvenated by fresh waves of Irish and New Zealand citizens ...
The fact that these attacks were on the sincere and quiet expression of religious faith makes them all the more repugnant. These dark forces of violence seek to promote fear and division and to champion terror within tolerant, inclusive and welcoming societies such as New Zealand’s. These dark forces must be challenged at every turn.The fact that these attacks were on the sincere and quiet expression of religious faith makes them all the more repugnant. These dark forces of violence seek to promote fear and division and to champion terror within tolerant, inclusive and welcoming societies such as New Zealand’s. These dark forces must be challenged at every turn.
Elle Hunt here, taking over the liveblog from Matthew Weaver. The Dominion Post – Wellington’s daily broadsheet, the second largest newspaper in New Zealand – has just posted online the front page of its Weekend edition. Like the New Zealand Herald, it has referenced PM Jacinda Ardern’s reference to the nation’s “darkest days”.Elle Hunt here, taking over the liveblog from Matthew Weaver. The Dominion Post – Wellington’s daily broadsheet, the second largest newspaper in New Zealand – has just posted online the front page of its Weekend edition. Like the New Zealand Herald, it has referenced PM Jacinda Ardern’s reference to the nation’s “darkest days”.
The front page of the @DomPost Weekend edition pic.twitter.com/riyaPSN2wFThe front page of the @DomPost Weekend edition pic.twitter.com/riyaPSN2wF
The Nelson Mail, a smaller publication in the South Island city of Nelson, has used a similar shot.The Nelson Mail, a smaller publication in the South Island city of Nelson, has used a similar shot.
The weekend @NelsonMail pic.twitter.com/zNeRCWi6RfThe weekend @NelsonMail pic.twitter.com/zNeRCWi6Rf
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has also addressed worshippers at the Finsbury Park mosque in his north London constituency.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has also addressed worshippers at the Finsbury Park mosque in his north London constituency.
Speaking after Friday prayers he said:Speaking after Friday prayers he said:
“The message I’ve given them is that we’re absolutely shocked and appalled at the killings that have happened in New Zealand and the crazed gunman who has taken the lives of so many innocent people.“The message I’ve given them is that we’re absolutely shocked and appalled at the killings that have happened in New Zealand and the crazed gunman who has taken the lives of so many innocent people.
“What I just said to Friday Prayers is: an attack on a mosque, an attack on synagogue, an attack on a church, an attack on a temple is an attack on all of us.“What I just said to Friday Prayers is: an attack on a mosque, an attack on synagogue, an attack on a church, an attack on a temple is an attack on all of us.
So, those people who’ve died in New Zealand, that’s an attack on all of us. The only answer is one of respect for each other, support for each other, and solidarity.”So, those people who’ve died in New Zealand, that’s an attack on all of us. The only answer is one of respect for each other, support for each other, and solidarity.”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the new Democrat congresswoman, has attacked Donald Trump for cutting funding for initiatives designed to tackle white supremacist hate groups.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the new Democrat congresswoman, has attacked Donald Trump for cutting funding for initiatives designed to tackle white supremacist hate groups.
All of these are terrorist incidents.We have a responsibility to understand how white supremacy + online radicalization works, because it is impacting our entire society.President Trump defunded Federal programs designed to fight the spread of white supremacist hate groups. https://t.co/7WgC65f5FpAll of these are terrorist incidents.We have a responsibility to understand how white supremacy + online radicalization works, because it is impacting our entire society.President Trump defunded Federal programs designed to fight the spread of white supremacist hate groups. https://t.co/7WgC65f5Fp
An Australian senator has been strongly criticised after he blamed the New Zealand shooting on Muslim immigration.An Australian senator has been strongly criticised after he blamed the New Zealand shooting on Muslim immigration.
In the wake of the attack, Fraser Anning tweeted: “Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?”In the wake of the attack, Fraser Anning tweeted: “Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?”
In a statement shared by an Australian journalist on Twitter, the Queenslandsenator also wrote: “As always, leftwing politicians and the media will rush to claim that the causes of today’s shootings lie with gun laws or those who hold nationalist views, but this is all cliched nonsense.In a statement shared by an Australian journalist on Twitter, the Queenslandsenator also wrote: “As always, leftwing politicians and the media will rush to claim that the causes of today’s shootings lie with gun laws or those who hold nationalist views, but this is all cliched nonsense.
“The real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration program which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place.”“The real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration program which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place.”
The remarks were denounced by the UK home secretary, Sajid Javid, who accused the senator of stoking extremism.The remarks were denounced by the UK home secretary, Sajid Javid, who accused the senator of stoking extremism.
Anger as Australian senator blames New Zealand attack on Muslim immigrationAnger as Australian senator blames New Zealand attack on Muslim immigration
Toby Manhire, a New Zealand journalist and a former Guardian staffer, tweets images and videos of children demonstrating in the climate strike to show what New Zealand is really like.Toby Manhire, a New Zealand journalist and a former Guardian staffer, tweets images and videos of children demonstrating in the climate strike to show what New Zealand is really like.
This is New Zealand https://t.co/FaUbKnAcDyThis is New Zealand https://t.co/FaUbKnAcDy
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been speaking outside the East London Mosque.London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been speaking outside the East London Mosque.
Flanked by the Bishop of London and imams, Khan said:Flanked by the Bishop of London and imams, Khan said:
“We stand here together today in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in New Zealand. Our diversity is a strength. We maybe more than 11,000 miles away from Christchurch but we feel the ripples of hatred. We feel the ripples of fear and we feel the ripples of sorrow for our brothers and sisters in Christchurch.“We stand here together today in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in New Zealand. Our diversity is a strength. We maybe more than 11,000 miles away from Christchurch but we feel the ripples of hatred. We feel the ripples of fear and we feel the ripples of sorrow for our brothers and sisters in Christchurch.
“This was a terrorist attack on innocent men, women and children. Deliberately targeted because of the faith they belonged to. The place they were worshipping in was deliberated targeted.“This was a terrorist attack on innocent men, women and children. Deliberately targeted because of the faith they belonged to. The place they were worshipping in was deliberated targeted.
“There is a responsibility on all of us to be very careful in the language we use and the messages we amplify. There are some people in our country who fan the flames of hatred. There are some people who demonise and dehumanise people because of the faith they follow. You have a role to play in radicalising people to become terrorists. That’s why it is really important that we demonstrate from London that as far as we are concerned, our diversity is a strength not a weakness. We don’t simply tolerate it we celebrate it, we embrace it and we respect it.“There is a responsibility on all of us to be very careful in the language we use and the messages we amplify. There are some people in our country who fan the flames of hatred. There are some people who demonise and dehumanise people because of the faith they follow. You have a role to play in radicalising people to become terrorists. That’s why it is really important that we demonstrate from London that as far as we are concerned, our diversity is a strength not a weakness. We don’t simply tolerate it we celebrate it, we embrace it and we respect it.
“There will be Muslims in London who will be feeling vulnerable, scared and frightened because they are Muslims. I want to reassure all Muslims and everyone going to a place of worship today and over the course of the next few days, you will be seeing an increased policing around mosques, to reassure you that here in London you are free to be who you want, and worship who you want. It is really important that we as a city don’t allow this terrorist to cower us to change the way we lead our lives.“There will be Muslims in London who will be feeling vulnerable, scared and frightened because they are Muslims. I want to reassure all Muslims and everyone going to a place of worship today and over the course of the next few days, you will be seeing an increased policing around mosques, to reassure you that here in London you are free to be who you want, and worship who you want. It is really important that we as a city don’t allow this terrorist to cower us to change the way we lead our lives.
“We want to be a beacon to the rest of the world to show that whether you are a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, whether you are a member of an organised faith, or not, here in London you are welcome. London is open.”“We want to be a beacon to the rest of the world to show that whether you are a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, whether you are a member of an organised faith, or not, here in London you are welcome. London is open.”
"We feel the ripples of hatred, we feel the ripples of fear and we feel the ripples of sorrow for our brothers and sisters in Christchurch" Mayor Sadiq Khan announces extra security at London mosques as he condemns New Zealand attacksLatest updates: https://t.co/2M0XpftuqJ pic.twitter.com/GcXsPI0FXY"We feel the ripples of hatred, we feel the ripples of fear and we feel the ripples of sorrow for our brothers and sisters in Christchurch" Mayor Sadiq Khan announces extra security at London mosques as he condemns New Zealand attacksLatest updates: https://t.co/2M0XpftuqJ pic.twitter.com/GcXsPI0FXY
Here’s a detailed guide to the attack on the Al Noor mosque.Here’s a detailed guide to the attack on the Al Noor mosque.
And the Lindwood Islamic Centre.And the Lindwood Islamic Centre.
A group of activists calling themselves Turn to Love gathered outside the High Commission of New Zealand in London to promote the idea that “love will win and terror will lose”, PA reports.A group of activists calling themselves Turn to Love gathered outside the High Commission of New Zealand in London to promote the idea that “love will win and terror will lose”, PA reports.
They assembled with placards and posters, holding up signs which read “They will not divide us” and “Turn to love for New Zealand”. There was a minute’s silence for the victims.They assembled with placards and posters, holding up signs which read “They will not divide us” and “Turn to love for New Zealand”. There was a minute’s silence for the victims.
The group also briefly spoke to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. He told them:The group also briefly spoke to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. He told them:
“We will not allow these people to divide us, we will stand in solidarity with all those who suffered egregiously in New Zealand.“We will not allow these people to divide us, we will stand in solidarity with all those who suffered egregiously in New Zealand.
“We stand together for a world where we respect each other, where we recognise the strength that comes from our diversity.“We stand together for a world where we respect each other, where we recognise the strength that comes from our diversity.
“And recognise an attack on any one community or any one place of worship, whatever the faith, is actually an attack on all of us.”“And recognise an attack on any one community or any one place of worship, whatever the faith, is actually an attack on all of us.”
Mustafa Field, director of Faith Forums for London, said: “Jeremy sent a really powerful message of solidarity with the Muslim community that the perpetrators will not divide us. We will stand firmly together as Brits with the rest of world.”Mustafa Field, director of Faith Forums for London, said: “Jeremy sent a really powerful message of solidarity with the Muslim community that the perpetrators will not divide us. We will stand firmly together as Brits with the rest of world.”