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New Zealand shooting: gun laws will change, says Ardern – latest updates New Zealand shooting: gun laws will change, says Ardern – latest updates
(32 minutes later)
My colleague, Jon Swaine, is putting together a more detailed story on Jacinda Ardern’s promise to change New Zealand’s gun laws. You can read that here:
New Zealand PM vows to toughen gun control laws after Christchurch attack
Police say the court will be closed to the public, though it appears journalists are being allowed in. We’re expecting the suspect to appear before too long.
Christchurch District Court will be closed to the public during the appearance of the 28-year-old man charged with murder in relation to yesterday’s attacks in Christchurch.This is due to the heightened security risk.
Here are Donald Trump’s comments on the Christchurch attacks, made at the ceremony he held in the Oval Office for the signing of his veto:
Earlier today, I spoke with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to express the sorrow of our entire nation following the monstrous terror acts at two mosques. These sacred places of worship were turned into scenes of evil killing. We’ve all been seeing what went out. It’s a horrible, horrible thing.
I told the prime minister that the United States is with them all the way, 100% – whatever they need. We will be there. New Zealand has been a great friend and partner for many years. Our relationship has never been better and what they’re going though is absolutely terrible. Our hearts are with them and whatever we can do.
He went on to say that, domestically, he was taking action to “restore our national sovereignty and defend this nation from criminal cartels, human traffickers and drug smugglers, crime of all kinds coming through our southern border and other places”. He said:
People hate the word ‘invasion’, but that what it is. It’s a invasion of drugs and criminals and people who have no idea who they are, but we capture them because border security is so good, but they’re put in a very bad position. We’re bursting at the seams, literally bursting at the seams. What border patrol is able to do is incredible.
Closing her press conference, Ardern has said:Closing her press conference, Ardern has said:
I want to finish by saying that while the nation grapples with a form of grief and anger that we have not experienced before, we are seeking answers. As is the entire nation, we are all unified in grieving together.I want to finish by saying that while the nation grapples with a form of grief and anger that we have not experienced before, we are seeking answers. As is the entire nation, we are all unified in grieving together.
She added:She added:
Rhetoric of racism, division and extremism has no place not only in New Zealand but I would say in a society as a whole.Rhetoric of racism, division and extremism has no place not only in New Zealand but I would say in a society as a whole.
Police helicopters are continuously circling overhead the city, while approximately 100 members of media organisations wait for the accused to appear. Armed police and soldiers are also visible.Police helicopters are continuously circling overhead the city, while approximately 100 members of media organisations wait for the accused to appear. Armed police and soldiers are also visible.
The court was scheduled to open at 9am (local time) but has not. Omar Nabi and his brother are waiting to enter the courthouse – Nabi says he needs to see the man who killed his father. The court was scheduled to open at 9am (local time) but has not. Omar Nabi and his brother are waiting to enter the courthouse; Nabi says he needs to see the man who killed his father.
Michael Orczy, the vicar of St Michael’s church, is standing outside the courthouse after giving mass to parishes across the road. He says New Zealand’s entire religious community stands with their Muslim brothers and sisters and religious violence has no place in the country.Michael Orczy, the vicar of St Michael’s church, is standing outside the courthouse after giving mass to parishes across the road. He says New Zealand’s entire religious community stands with their Muslim brothers and sisters and religious violence has no place in the country.
This was an undeniable act of evil. God loves all his children equally. We are all shell-shocked. This is surreal in New Zealand. I have had to rewrite my sermon for Sunday.This was an undeniable act of evil. God loves all his children equally. We are all shell-shocked. This is surreal in New Zealand. I have had to rewrite my sermon for Sunday.
We will be with our Muslim brothers and sisters every step of the way. This is an attack on God’s children. God loves all his children equally. This right-wing element in mellow Christchurch is surreal. I am preaching compassion and peace today. Revenge is never the answer.We will be with our Muslim brothers and sisters every step of the way. This is an attack on God’s children. God loves all his children equally. This right-wing element in mellow Christchurch is surreal. I am preaching compassion and peace today. Revenge is never the answer.
New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, says she told the US president, Donald Trump, to show all Muslim communities “sympathy and love” when he asked what he could do in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks.New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, says she told the US president, Donald Trump, to show all Muslim communities “sympathy and love” when he asked what he could do in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks.
She made the pointed comments in a press conference held as she prepared to travel to Christchurch early on Saturday morning, local time.She made the pointed comments in a press conference held as she prepared to travel to Christchurch early on Saturday morning, local time.
Trump had earlier tweeted that he had spoken to Ardern and that the US stood with New Zealand following the deadly attacks.Trump had earlier tweeted that he had spoken to Ardern and that the US stood with New Zealand following the deadly attacks.
Just spoke with Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, regarding the horrific events that have taken place over the past 24 hours. I informed the Prime Minister....Just spoke with Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, regarding the horrific events that have taken place over the past 24 hours. I informed the Prime Minister....
....that we stand in solidarity with New Zealand – and that any assistance the U.S.A. can give, we stand by ready to help. We love you New Zealand!....that we stand in solidarity with New Zealand – and that any assistance the U.S.A. can give, we stand by ready to help. We love you New Zealand!
Speaking to a pool reporter, Trump had insisted he does not see white nationalism as a rising problem, he said:Speaking to a pool reporter, Trump had insisted he does not see white nationalism as a rising problem, he said:
I don’t really, I think it’s a small group of people.I don’t really, I think it’s a small group of people.
Trump called the attacks a “horrible act” and said he had not seen the suspect’s manifesto.Trump called the attacks a “horrible act” and said he had not seen the suspect’s manifesto.
Seeking to put his reaction into some context, the Washington Post published an opinion piece, entitled: “A short history of President Trump’s anti-Muslim bigotry”. In it, the political scientist, Brian Klaas, accuses Trump of being an “Islamophobic bigot”.Seeking to put his reaction into some context, the Washington Post published an opinion piece, entitled: “A short history of President Trump’s anti-Muslim bigotry”. In it, the political scientist, Brian Klaas, accuses Trump of being an “Islamophobic bigot”.
Pressed on the matter of far-right extremists, she says the security services had “increased their work in that area but, even then, this particular individual was not known” to them, meaning there will be questions to be answered.Pressed on the matter of far-right extremists, she says the security services had “increased their work in that area but, even then, this particular individual was not known” to them, meaning there will be questions to be answered.
Ardern lists many of the world leaders, including Donald Trump, who have expressed their condolences. She says Trump asked what help he and the US could offer and says she told him: “Sympathy and love for all Muslim communities.” Ardern adds that Trump “acknowledged that and agreed”.Ardern lists many of the world leaders, including Donald Trump, who have expressed their condolences. She says Trump asked what help he and the US could offer and says she told him: “Sympathy and love for all Muslim communities.” Ardern adds that Trump “acknowledged that and agreed”.
She says the two didn’t discuss references to Trump in the suspect’s manifesto. She says the two did not discuss references to Trump in the suspect’s manifesto.
Asked if she believes one person was responsible for the attacks carried out in each of the two locations, she says authorities are still trying to ascertain the level of involvement of the two other people in custody.Asked if she believes one person was responsible for the attacks carried out in each of the two locations, she says authorities are still trying to ascertain the level of involvement of the two other people in custody.
Asked about whether or not a terror charge would be forthcoming, she prefers not to comment, saying it is an operational matter.Asked about whether or not a terror charge would be forthcoming, she prefers not to comment, saying it is an operational matter.
Addressing her comments on gun laws, Ardern says the “mere fact” the suspect was able to get a gun licence and get hold of high-powered weapons will mean people will want to see change – and she is committing to supporting that.Addressing her comments on gun laws, Ardern says the “mere fact” the suspect was able to get a gun licence and get hold of high-powered weapons will mean people will want to see change – and she is committing to supporting that.
She did not, however, go into specifics.She did not, however, go into specifics.
Ardern said the suspect got a category A licence in 2017 and she is advised that he started stockpiling the weapons legally soon afterwards.Ardern said the suspect got a category A licence in 2017 and she is advised that he started stockpiling the weapons legally soon afterwards.
Asked if there are any far-right sympathisers on the country’s watchlist, she is vague – referring only to anyone who supports violence – and noting that the government’s work in that area did not bring the suspect to officials’ attention.Asked if there are any far-right sympathisers on the country’s watchlist, she is vague – referring only to anyone who supports violence – and noting that the government’s work in that area did not bring the suspect to officials’ attention.
She says the national threat level remains at high and, consequently, increased aviation and border security measures will be in place.She says the national threat level remains at high and, consequently, increased aviation and border security measures will be in place.
The New Zealand prime minister pays tribute to the emergency services personnel who responded to the incident.The New Zealand prime minister pays tribute to the emergency services personnel who responded to the incident.
Ardern also says mental health facilities will be provided and has invited anyone who needs help to call or text 1737.Ardern also says mental health facilities will be provided and has invited anyone who needs help to call or text 1737.
Confirming that the suspect had a licence to have a firearm when the attacks took place in Christchurch, New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern confirms the country’s “gun laws will change”.Confirming that the suspect had a licence to have a firearm when the attacks took place in Christchurch, New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern confirms the country’s “gun laws will change”.
Ardern says the suspect used five guns, including semi-automatic rifles and shotguns and was in possession of a gun licence.Ardern says the suspect used five guns, including semi-automatic rifles and shotguns and was in possession of a gun licence.
Ardern adds that none of the people arrested had a criminal past, nor was any on a watchlist in New Zealand or Australia. The person charged was not known to authorities in connection with far-right violence. She says:Ardern adds that none of the people arrested had a criminal past, nor was any on a watchlist in New Zealand or Australia. The person charged was not known to authorities in connection with far-right violence. She says:
Today, as the country grieves, we are seeking answers.Today, as the country grieves, we are seeking answers.
Ardern says three people have been arrested and confirms that an Australian will appear in court today charged with murder. The person was not a Christchurch resident, but was based in Dunedin – in line with earlier reports.Ardern says three people have been arrested and confirms that an Australian will appear in court today charged with murder. The person was not a Christchurch resident, but was based in Dunedin – in line with earlier reports.
Enquiries are ongoing about whether or not the other two were involved.Enquiries are ongoing about whether or not the other two were involved.
The fourth person was a member of the public in possession of a firearm but was trying to help police and has been released.The fourth person was a member of the public in possession of a firearm but was trying to help police and has been released.
Jacinda Ardern is speaking now.Jacinda Ardern is speaking now.
She confirms that 49 people have been killed and says authorities are working to identify them. The injured people have been identified and she says the child transferred to Starship hospital is five-years-old, not four.She confirms that 49 people have been killed and says authorities are working to identify them. The injured people have been identified and she says the child transferred to Starship hospital is five-years-old, not four.