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New Zealand shooting: suspect due in court after 49 killed – latest updates New Zealand shooting: suspect due in court after 49 killed – latest updates
(32 minutes later)
In London, hundreds of mourners stood in a silence in honour of those who were killed in the New Zealand shootings.
Flowers and candles were laid as night fell on the peaceful gathering at the New Zealand memorial in central London’s Hyde Park.
The vigil’s organiser, Zaharan Sofi, said she spent Friday – her 30th birthday – feeling “very emotional”. Sofi, a corporate accountant of Brixton, in south London, said:
I am a British Muslim and I wanted to make sure that people come together. It is a very important time to bring people together and not to try and divide.
Bringing people together is how you deal with terrorism. In this sensitive time and in our society, it is important that we all know we are human beings first.
The event was aimed at showing solidarity and to provide comfort after the horror of the Christchurch shootings, in which 49 people have died, at two New Zealand mosques.
A minute’s-silence and traditional Moari music were part of the moments of reflection. Hundreds of people, of nationalities including British-based New Zealanders, attended and stood in respectful silence.
A Muslim man named Omar Nabi has appeared at the court and been swarmed by media. He is emotional and says he lost his 71-year-old father, Douad, in the shooting. He wants to take his father back to Afghanistan for burial.
We are not terrorists mate, we are here to help everyone make it to paradise. This is New Zealand and multicultural. It is so calm and relaxed. We are not like this. None of us are like this.
Omar Nabi is an Afghan refugee, whose family fled to New Zealand searching for peace.
We were told this country was paradise ... the feelings I have right now are outrageous.
His father had lived in Christchurch for 45 years. He was a refugee advocate and supported other new arrivals to the city over the decade. Omar said:
49 people got killed, shot in the back while praying. Entering a place of prayer to shoot them is cowardly. Cowardly ... life is a test.
About two dozen members of local and international media outlets are waiting outside the Christchurch district court house in the central city, which is under guard by armed police.
The accused is expected to face multiple murder charges in the court this morning. Besides the activity at the court house, the city is sombre and largely empty of people and activity, with most Cantabrians heeding police advice to stay out of the centre and remain vigilant for their own safety and that of others.
A little more on that UN Security Council statement, which was proposed by Kuwait and Indonesia. It reads:
The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
The council stood to observe a moment’s silence for the victims on Friday.
The UN Security Council has condemned the “heinous, cowardly” attack in New Zealand, saying that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, according to the Reuters new agency.
The New Zealand police have just released this update, in which they say one of the two people in a critical condition is a four-year-old child:The New Zealand police have just released this update, in which they say one of the two people in a critical condition is a four-year-old child:
A message from Commissioner Mike Bush:We are continuing to make enquiries after yesterday's tragic events in Christchurch. As the Prime Minister stated yesterday, this has been designated a terrorist attack. 49 people have died and 42 are being treated for injuries.A message from Commissioner Mike Bush:We are continuing to make enquiries after yesterday's tragic events in Christchurch. As the Prime Minister stated yesterday, this has been designated a terrorist attack. 49 people have died and 42 are being treated for injuries.
Two of those injured are critical and this includes a four-year-old child who is being transported to Starship Hospital this morning. 41 people were killed at the Deans Avenue mosque, and seven at the Linwood Avenue mosque. One has since died in hospital.Two of those injured are critical and this includes a four-year-old child who is being transported to Starship Hospital this morning. 41 people were killed at the Deans Avenue mosque, and seven at the Linwood Avenue mosque. One has since died in hospital.
Our thoughts go out to those who have been affected by this unprecedented event. A 28-year-old man will appear in Christchurch District Court today charged with murder. Two others remain in custody.Our thoughts go out to those who have been affected by this unprecedented event. A 28-year-old man will appear in Christchurch District Court today charged with murder. Two others remain in custody.
Our investigations are in their early stages and we will be looking closely to build a picture of any of the individuals involved and all of their activities prior to this horrific event.Our investigations are in their early stages and we will be looking closely to build a picture of any of the individuals involved and all of their activities prior to this horrific event.
There is no guarantee the risk is limited to Canterbury and we need all New Zealanders to be extra vigilant. Our message to you is simple: if you see something suspicious, say something – call 111 immediately.There is no guarantee the risk is limited to Canterbury and we need all New Zealanders to be extra vigilant. Our message to you is simple: if you see something suspicious, say something – call 111 immediately.
Police is aware there are distressing materials related to this event circulating widely online. We would urge anyone who has been affected by seeing these materials to seek appropriate support.Police is aware there are distressing materials related to this event circulating widely online. We would urge anyone who has been affected by seeing these materials to seek appropriate support.
We would also like to remind the public that it is an offence to distribute an objectionable publication and that is punishable by imprisonment. Once again I want to reassure the public that a large Police presence remains in the city for the time being.We would also like to remind the public that it is an offence to distribute an objectionable publication and that is punishable by imprisonment. Once again I want to reassure the public that a large Police presence remains in the city for the time being.
There will be a heightened Police presence at community events today for safety and reassurance. Dozens of officers continue to be deployed into the region today, and Police’s Eagle helicopter has flown to Christchurch to assist those on the ground.There will be a heightened Police presence at community events today for safety and reassurance. Dozens of officers continue to be deployed into the region today, and Police’s Eagle helicopter has flown to Christchurch to assist those on the ground.
Police and the wider government will be working with leaders and members of the Islamic Community to provide assistance, reassurance and support.Police and the wider government will be working with leaders and members of the Islamic Community to provide assistance, reassurance and support.
Deputy Commissioner of Māori and Ethnic Services Wally Haumaha has travelled to Christchurch alongside 15 ethnic liaison officers to support the community.Deputy Commissioner of Māori and Ethnic Services Wally Haumaha has travelled to Christchurch alongside 15 ethnic liaison officers to support the community.
These specialists will work alongside local staff to support the families and help repatriate them with their loved ones in a way that is consistent with Muslim beliefs, while taking into account these circumstances and obligations to the coroner.These specialists will work alongside local staff to support the families and help repatriate them with their loved ones in a way that is consistent with Muslim beliefs, while taking into account these circumstances and obligations to the coroner.
I also plan to fly to Christchurch this morning, and will be speaking to media at the earliest opportunity. More detail on that will be advised in due course. Again I want to offer my sincere condolences to those affected, on behalf of New Zealand Police.I also plan to fly to Christchurch this morning, and will be speaking to media at the earliest opportunity. More detail on that will be advised in due course. Again I want to offer my sincere condolences to those affected, on behalf of New Zealand Police.
Within the last hour, the Guardian has published its editorial on the attack in Christchurch, saying the “threat of violence from far-right extremists has been ignored for too long”.Within the last hour, the Guardian has published its editorial on the attack in Christchurch, saying the “threat of violence from far-right extremists has been ignored for too long”.
Politicians have created the swamp for such reptiles. White supremacists in America clearly believe that they have a fellow traveller in the White House. If they are mistaken then Donald Trump has hardly done much to disabuse them of this idea. Others have taken a cue from his overt race-baiting, unable even to resist the urge to whip up Islamophobia in the aftermath of the latest killings. Mr Trump could fill a bath with crocodile tears he has wept. In the US white supremacists and their ilk have killed far more people since 11 September 2001, than any other category of domestic extremist. The threat of violence from far-right extremists has been ignored for too long. In Britain the menace is recognised as so serious the security services have taken charge of it. During the Brexit referendum, a campaign swimming in reaction, a Labour MP was shot and stabbed by a neo-Nazi shouting “Britain first”. New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has understood the threat the mosque attacks pose to her country’s society, imperilling the values New Zealanders cherish most – their solidarity, their sense of community and their feeling of safety. Many of the victims, she said, may be migrants or refugees and “they are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not”. Terrorists seek to divide. In grief and anger, communities must stand together.Politicians have created the swamp for such reptiles. White supremacists in America clearly believe that they have a fellow traveller in the White House. If they are mistaken then Donald Trump has hardly done much to disabuse them of this idea. Others have taken a cue from his overt race-baiting, unable even to resist the urge to whip up Islamophobia in the aftermath of the latest killings. Mr Trump could fill a bath with crocodile tears he has wept. In the US white supremacists and their ilk have killed far more people since 11 September 2001, than any other category of domestic extremist. The threat of violence from far-right extremists has been ignored for too long. In Britain the menace is recognised as so serious the security services have taken charge of it. During the Brexit referendum, a campaign swimming in reaction, a Labour MP was shot and stabbed by a neo-Nazi shouting “Britain first”. New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has understood the threat the mosque attacks pose to her country’s society, imperilling the values New Zealanders cherish most – their solidarity, their sense of community and their feeling of safety. Many of the victims, she said, may be migrants or refugees and “they are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not”. Terrorists seek to divide. In grief and anger, communities must stand together.
The Guardian view on the Christchurch attacks: extremism’s rising danger | EditorialThe Guardian view on the Christchurch attacks: extremism’s rising danger | Editorial
Cordons remain in place around much of central Christchurch, including a wide perimeter and police presence around the two affected mosques, inside which it is believed many bodies remain.Cordons remain in place around much of central Christchurch, including a wide perimeter and police presence around the two affected mosques, inside which it is believed many bodies remain.
A police update this morning has warned residents the risk to Christchurch remains high and told people people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.A police update this morning has warned residents the risk to Christchurch remains high and told people people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.
Sports grounds and usually busy coffee shops and brunch restaurants are closed this morning in the central city and there are few people on the streets as dawn breaks.Sports grounds and usually busy coffee shops and brunch restaurants are closed this morning in the central city and there are few people on the streets as dawn breaks.
In Dunedin, almost two hundred miles southwest of Christhurch, police are moving in on a property that is linked to the Christchurch shooter and the bomb squad are en route, with the armed offenders squad also attending. Local reporters on the scene say they understand the address may be the residence of the shooter.In Dunedin, almost two hundred miles southwest of Christhurch, police are moving in on a property that is linked to the Christchurch shooter and the bomb squad are en route, with the armed offenders squad also attending. Local reporters on the scene say they understand the address may be the residence of the shooter.
A vigil is being held in Hyde Park, in London.A vigil is being held in Hyde Park, in London.
A beautiful waiata echoing around Hyde Park Corner in London, led by UK High Commissioner Sir Jerry Mateparae. This vigil is very special. pic.twitter.com/cGvDpSzDgoA beautiful waiata echoing around Hyde Park Corner in London, led by UK High Commissioner Sir Jerry Mateparae. This vigil is very special. pic.twitter.com/cGvDpSzDgo
Beautiful words from Sir Jerry Mateparae at the vigil for the Christchurch Mosque shootings in London, not a dry eye when Pokarekare Ana was sung pic.twitter.com/jdkvNSl81oBeautiful words from Sir Jerry Mateparae at the vigil for the Christchurch Mosque shootings in London, not a dry eye when Pokarekare Ana was sung pic.twitter.com/jdkvNSl81o
Aroha from the other side of the planet. pic.twitter.com/DpxBT8R0qBAroha from the other side of the planet. pic.twitter.com/DpxBT8R0qB
There’s something quite comforting about hundreds of kiwis coming together in London to try and come to terms with what has happened back home. pic.twitter.com/kXrNQRQ2yxThere’s something quite comforting about hundreds of kiwis coming together in London to try and come to terms with what has happened back home. pic.twitter.com/kXrNQRQ2yx
In the livestream broadcast on the Facebook page of Brenton Tarrant, he appears to be listening to a Serb nationalist song in his car on his way to the Christchurch mosques. The song is dedicated to the Bosnian Serb wartime leader, Radovan Karadžić, whose verdict on his appeal against conviction for genocide and crimes against humanity is due next Wednesday.In the livestream broadcast on the Facebook page of Brenton Tarrant, he appears to be listening to a Serb nationalist song in his car on his way to the Christchurch mosques. The song is dedicated to the Bosnian Serb wartime leader, Radovan Karadžić, whose verdict on his appeal against conviction for genocide and crimes against humanity is due next Wednesday.
The organisation, Remembering Srebrenica, which memorialises the 1995 massacre of about 8,000 Muslim and boys, confirmed that the song being played is a nationalist anthem glorifying Karadžić with the lyrics: “Wolves are on the move from Krajina [a Balkan region] Karadžić lead your Serbs, let them see they fear no one”.The organisation, Remembering Srebrenica, which memorialises the 1995 massacre of about 8,000 Muslim and boys, confirmed that the song being played is a nationalist anthem glorifying Karadžić with the lyrics: “Wolves are on the move from Krajina [a Balkan region] Karadžić lead your Serbs, let them see they fear no one”.
Anticipation and apprehension are building among Karadžić’s supporters and victims in advance of next Wednesday’s expected verdict at the Hague war crimes tribunal, which will be the final ruling after a decade of court proceedings.Anticipation and apprehension are building among Karadžić’s supporters and victims in advance of next Wednesday’s expected verdict at the Hague war crimes tribunal, which will be the final ruling after a decade of court proceedings.
In March 2016, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia convicted Karadžić of genocide for the Srebrenica massacre and of crimes against humanity for mass killings, hostage-taking and terror.In March 2016, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia convicted Karadžić of genocide for the Srebrenica massacre and of crimes against humanity for mass killings, hostage-taking and terror.
Candace Owens, the American conservative commentator, has responded to a mention of her name in the gunman’s manifesto. In a series of tweets, she said any depictions of her by media as the inspiration for the attack should be prepared for legal action.Candace Owens, the American conservative commentator, has responded to a mention of her name in the gunman’s manifesto. In a series of tweets, she said any depictions of her by media as the inspiration for the attack should be prepared for legal action.
Though the gunman’s manifesto is being widely reported on and quoted from as insight into his background and actions, experts warn against taking it at face value when much of it – indeed, the mention of Owens’ name – might have been calculated.Though the gunman’s manifesto is being widely reported on and quoted from as insight into his background and actions, experts warn against taking it at face value when much of it – indeed, the mention of Owens’ name – might have been calculated.
“It’s a type of trolling,” said Hope Not Hate researcher Patrik Hermansson. “A thing they like to do to cause a lot of outrage – ‘Candace Owens supports genocide’ – to force her acknowledge him and to get attention.“It’s a type of trolling,” said Hope Not Hate researcher Patrik Hermansson. “A thing they like to do to cause a lot of outrage – ‘Candace Owens supports genocide’ – to force her acknowledge him and to get attention.
Robert Evans from Bellingcat added: “It is possible, even likely, that the author was a fan of Owens’s videos; she certainly espouses anti-immigrant rhetoric. But, in context, [it] seems likely that his references to Owens were calculated to spark division, and perhaps even violence, between the left and the right.”Robert Evans from Bellingcat added: “It is possible, even likely, that the author was a fan of Owens’s videos; she certainly espouses anti-immigrant rhetoric. But, in context, [it] seems likely that his references to Owens were calculated to spark division, and perhaps even violence, between the left and the right.”
It’s about 7am on Saturday in New Zealand, and the gunman is due to appear in court this morning. If you are just waking up, here is what has happened overnight:It’s about 7am on Saturday in New Zealand, and the gunman is due to appear in court this morning. If you are just waking up, here is what has happened overnight:
Forty-nine people are confirmed dead following the two attacks on Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch.Forty-nine people are confirmed dead following the two attacks on Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch.
A further 48 are injured and being treated at Christchurch hospital.A further 48 are injured and being treated at Christchurch hospital.
A 28-year-old Australian citizen is due to appear in the Christchurch district court on Saturday morning.A 28-year-old Australian citizen is due to appear in the Christchurch district court on Saturday morning.
Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have all claimed citizens involved in the attack, though few victims have yet been named. People can register missing persons or themselves as alive at this website.Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have all claimed citizens involved in the attack, though few victims have yet been named. People can register missing persons or themselves as alive at this website.
YouTube, Facebook and Twitter struggled to remove video footage of the attack, while media was criticised for hosting it.YouTube, Facebook and Twitter struggled to remove video footage of the attack, while media was criticised for hosting it.
Images from the gunman’s camera showed weapons and ammunition displaying white-supremacist symbols. His manifesto remains online but commentators have strongly warned against interpreting it too literally.Images from the gunman’s camera showed weapons and ammunition displaying white-supremacist symbols. His manifesto remains online but commentators have strongly warned against interpreting it too literally.
Weapons were found near the mosques where the shooting occurred, while police were at a property in the city of Dunedin linked to the shootings overnight.Weapons were found near the mosques where the shooting occurred, while police were at a property in the city of Dunedin linked to the shootings overnight.
Mosques have been advised to close their doors until further notice.Mosques have been advised to close their doors until further notice.
Many events due to take place in New Zealand today have been cancelled, including the third cricket Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand.Many events due to take place in New Zealand today have been cancelled, including the third cricket Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Crowdfunding campaigns have already raised nearly NZ $850,000 (£440,000) for victims support.Crowdfunding campaigns have already raised nearly NZ $850,000 (£440,000) for victims support.
In the UK and the US, police have stepped up patrols in areas with large Muslim populations and around places of worship in direct response to the attack.In the UK and the US, police have stepped up patrols in areas with large Muslim populations and around places of worship in direct response to the attack.
The Queen, Theresa May, Pope Francis, Donald Trump, and other world leaders expressed sorrow, shock and anger.The Queen, Theresa May, Pope Francis, Donald Trump, and other world leaders expressed sorrow, shock and anger.
Our main news story has been updated with the key developments of the day – you can read that here. I am now handing over to my colleague Kevin Rawlinson. Kia kaha, Aotearoa.Our main news story has been updated with the key developments of the day – you can read that here. I am now handing over to my colleague Kevin Rawlinson. Kia kaha, Aotearoa.
Christchurch attack: suspect had white supremacist symbols on weaponsChristchurch attack: suspect had white supremacist symbols on weapons
#christchurchshooting pic.twitter.com/A6RRIL5d3H#christchurchshooting pic.twitter.com/A6RRIL5d3H
Jonathan Freedland asks how we can prevent this from happening again:Jonathan Freedland asks how we can prevent this from happening again:
There are coping strategies for dealing with terrorism and the feeling it is meant to induce, namely terror. One is to tell yourself, it won’t happen to me. Following the massacre of 49 people at prayer in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, many non-Muslims might be saying to themselves, if only in a guilty whisper, “I am not Muslim, I’ll be OK.” Another strategy is to tell yourself, it won’t happen here. That’s hard, though, for if it can happen in a country that has long seen itself as a serene haven, distant from a turbulent world, then it can surely happen anywhere. And still others may fall back on that perennial reassurance: this was just one deranged individual.There are coping strategies for dealing with terrorism and the feeling it is meant to induce, namely terror. One is to tell yourself, it won’t happen to me. Following the massacre of 49 people at prayer in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, many non-Muslims might be saying to themselves, if only in a guilty whisper, “I am not Muslim, I’ll be OK.” Another strategy is to tell yourself, it won’t happen here. That’s hard, though, for if it can happen in a country that has long seen itself as a serene haven, distant from a turbulent world, then it can surely happen anywhere. And still others may fall back on that perennial reassurance: this was just one deranged individual.
The trouble is, that last solace is becoming impossible to sustain.The trouble is, that last solace is becoming impossible to sustain.
To prevent another Christchurch we must confront the right’s hate preachers | Jonathan FreedlandTo prevent another Christchurch we must confront the right’s hate preachers | Jonathan Freedland
Waleed Aly, a prominent Australian journalist and practicing Muslim, has drawn attention for his emotional address on the current affairs programme that he co-hosts, The Project. “Of all the things that I could say tonight – that I am gutted, that I am scared, and that I am filled with utter hopelessness – the most dishonest thing would be to say that I am shocked. I’m simply not. ... Everything we say to try to tear people apart, demonize particular groups, set them against each other, that all has consequences, even if we are not the ones with our fingers on the trigger.”Waleed Aly, a prominent Australian journalist and practicing Muslim, has drawn attention for his emotional address on the current affairs programme that he co-hosts, The Project. “Of all the things that I could say tonight – that I am gutted, that I am scared, and that I am filled with utter hopelessness – the most dishonest thing would be to say that I am shocked. I’m simply not. ... Everything we say to try to tear people apart, demonize particular groups, set them against each other, that all has consequences, even if we are not the ones with our fingers on the trigger.”
“You’ll have to forgive me, these won’t be my best words...”On this heartbreaking day, Waleed reflects and calls for unity. #TheProjectTV pic.twitter.com/mIOI0eGamb“You’ll have to forgive me, these won’t be my best words...”On this heartbreaking day, Waleed reflects and calls for unity. #TheProjectTV pic.twitter.com/mIOI0eGamb
India’s minister of external affairs, Sushma Swaraj, has just acknowledged the attack:India’s minister of external affairs, Sushma Swaraj, has just acknowledged the attack:
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. /1We 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. /1
In this moment of grief, India stands in solidarity with the people and Government of New Zealand @winstonpeters /2In this moment of grief, India stands in solidarity with the people and Government of New Zealand @winstonpeters /2
The New York Police Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau has asked that New Yorkers remain calm in the face of an increased counterterrorism presence outside mosques and religious institutions in the city. Photos posted to its official Twitter presence show groups of up to six armed police with dogs posted outside the Islamic Cultural Center of New York among other buildings.The New York Police Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau has asked that New Yorkers remain calm in the face of an increased counterterrorism presence outside mosques and religious institutions in the city. Photos posted to its official Twitter presence show groups of up to six armed police with dogs posted outside the Islamic Cultural Center of New York among other buildings.
Our Counterterrorism officers are deployed throughout the city at various mosques & religious institutions in response to the New Zealand terror attack.Please do not be alarmed of the increased presence. We are working closely w/ the community to keep you safe. pic.twitter.com/mGVrp83EPjOur Counterterrorism officers are deployed throughout the city at various mosques & religious institutions in response to the New Zealand terror attack.Please do not be alarmed of the increased presence. We are working closely w/ the community to keep you safe. pic.twitter.com/mGVrp83EPj
James P O’Neill, New York City Police Department commissioner, said earlier that the department was deploying “high-profile resources around our city to keep all worshippers, in every neighborhood, safe – and to keep them feeling safe, too”: “There is no place in our city & the world for hate, whatever form it may take,” he added.James P O’Neill, New York City Police Department commissioner, said earlier that the department was deploying “high-profile resources around our city to keep all worshippers, in every neighborhood, safe – and to keep them feeling safe, too”: “There is no place in our city & the world for hate, whatever form it may take,” he added.
His full statement:His full statement:
The people #NYPD serves, in every #NYC neighborhood, must always be free from fear & have the immutable right to worship & live in peace. Together, NYers will never allow terrorists — who thrive on violence & fear — to threaten our people or our values. My full statement, here:⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XQqOSUgr2nThe people #NYPD serves, in every #NYC neighborhood, must always be free from fear & have the immutable right to worship & live in peace. Together, NYers will never allow terrorists — who thrive on violence & fear — to threaten our people or our values. My full statement, here:⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XQqOSUgr2n
Mulki Abdiwahab, an 18-year-old student at Lincoln University in Christchurch, has given a harrowing account of the massacre to Radio New Zealand. She had just finished praying in the women-only room of Al Noor Mosque with her mother, children and elderly when she heard gunshots.Mulki Abdiwahab, an 18-year-old student at Lincoln University in Christchurch, has given a harrowing account of the massacre to Radio New Zealand. She had just finished praying in the women-only room of Al Noor Mosque with her mother, children and elderly when she heard gunshots.
“I thought at first it must have been somebody banging on the window. My mum grabbed my hand and then we just we ran outside. Everyone was in chaos, just running for their lives. We just kept running, and running. The gunshots kept going on for about a good 10 minutes.”“I thought at first it must have been somebody banging on the window. My mum grabbed my hand and then we just we ran outside. Everyone was in chaos, just running for their lives. We just kept running, and running. The gunshots kept going on for about a good 10 minutes.”
Abdiwahab’s father was in the men’s room at the time of the shooting; he was now receiving care in hospital, while she and her mother had sought refuge in a residents’ home.Abdiwahab’s father was in the men’s room at the time of the shooting; he was now receiving care in hospital, while she and her mother had sought refuge in a residents’ home.
She said she was confused as to why the shooting happened. “It just never would have crossed my mind that any human being would ever want to hurt another human being, it is just really foreign to me. In a place that I felt safe ... but now I’m starting to question [that].”She said she was confused as to why the shooting happened. “It just never would have crossed my mind that any human being would ever want to hurt another human being, it is just really foreign to me. In a place that I felt safe ... but now I’m starting to question [that].”
The suspect in the attack on two mosques in Christchurch opened fire on worshippers using rifles covered in white-supremacist graffiti after listening to a song glorifying a Bosnian Serb war criminal.The suspect in the attack on two mosques in Christchurch opened fire on worshippers using rifles covered in white-supremacist graffiti after listening to a song glorifying a Bosnian Serb war criminal.
The gunman, who identified himself as Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old born in Australia, streamed footage live on social media before and during the massacre. It showed him driving to the first mosque while listening to a song idolising Radovan Karadzic, who was jailed for genocide and other war crimes against Bosnian Muslims.The gunman, who identified himself as Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old born in Australia, streamed footage live on social media before and during the massacre. It showed him driving to the first mosque while listening to a song idolising Radovan Karadzic, who was jailed for genocide and other war crimes against Bosnian Muslims.
Two of the rifles used in the shooting referenced Ebba Akerlund, an 11-year-old girl who was killed in April 2017 when an Uzbek man, Rakhmat Akilov, rammed his truck into people in Stockholm.Two of the rifles used in the shooting referenced Ebba Akerlund, an 11-year-old girl who was killed in April 2017 when an Uzbek man, Rakhmat Akilov, rammed his truck into people in Stockholm.
The name Charles Martel, who is hailed by white supremacists for defeating an invading Muslim force at the Battle of Tours in 732, was also displayed on weapons used in the attack.The name Charles Martel, who is hailed by white supremacists for defeating an invading Muslim force at the Battle of Tours in 732, was also displayed on weapons used in the attack.
What do we know about the Christchurch attack suspect?What do we know about the Christchurch attack suspect?