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New Zealand shooting: suspect appears in court – latest updates
New Zealand shooting: suspect appears in court – latest updates
(30 minutes later)
NZ’s innocence has gone and this image sums up the change. People have left flowers near the mosque. But armed police are checking there aren’t explosives hidden within them. #NZMosqueShooting pic.twitter.com/K116n4JMLh
The mayor of Christchurch, Lianne Dalziel, has praised the work of emergency services and led calls for unity in the city in the wake of the attack.
“I know I speak for all of the people in Christchurch when I say how much we want to come together to support [those affected],” she said, adding that city authorities were focusing on how to best offer practical help to those who needed it.
She said Christchurch was a very diverse city and had welcomed new people. “They are our friends, they are our neighbours, we embrace them at this time.”
Floral tributes are being laid at Rolleston Avenue in the Botanic Gardens close to the sites of both attacks and flags around the city are flying at half-mast.
“The only way that communities can respond to the voice of hate is to come together in love, compassion and and kindness,” Dalziel said.
Our reporter Eleanor Ainge Roy was in court this morning to cover the appearance of the main suspect, Brenton Tarrant, on a murder charge. Tarrant, 28, was dressed in white prison clothing and looked confused at times. He made a white power gesture with his hand from the dock.
The atrocity has brought communities together, with many New Zealanders choosing to show a sense of unity. Some radio stations have been reading out prayers for peace and asking people to pray with them.
New Zealanders around the country have shown up at mosques en masse to show their support. Impossible at some places to get a park apparently.
Guardian reporter Melissa Davey says medical staff at Christchurch hospital are still dealing with some very complex cases among the dozens who were injured and cannot rule out a rise in the death toll, currently at 49.
Some papers have noted that the suspect, an Australian, was living in Dunedin and that references were made in a 74-page “manifesto” to targeting sites there instead.
Some papers have noted that the suspect, an Australian, was living in Dunedin and that references were made in a 74-page “manifesto” to targeting sites there instead.
The weekend @NelsonMail pic.twitter.com/zNeRCWi6Rf
The weekend @NelsonMail pic.twitter.com/zNeRCWi6Rf
Many of New Zealand’s newspapers have focused on Jacinda Ardern’s initial comments after yesterday’s attack, in which she said it was “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”.
Many of New Zealand’s newspapers have focused on Jacinda Ardern’s initial comments after yesterday’s attack, in which she said it was “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”.
"Darkest Day" - the front page of tomorrow's NZ Herald: pic.twitter.com/HyGFoiroIU
"Darkest Day" - the front page of tomorrow's NZ Herald: pic.twitter.com/HyGFoiroIU
Hello, Graham Russell picking up the liveblog coverage from Kevin Rawlinson. Here’s a quick summary of where we are:
Hello, Graham Russell picking up the liveblog coverage from Kevin Rawlinson. Here’s a quick summary of where we are:
A 28-year-old man, Brenton Tarrant, has appeared in court in Christchurch charged with murder following the attack on two mosques yesterday in which 49 people have died. New Zealand police say more charges will be laid. No application for bail was made and he is due to appear in court again on 5 April.
A 28-year-old man, Brenton Tarrant, has appeared in court in Christchurch charged with murder following the attack on two mosques yesterday in which 49 people have died. New Zealand police say more charges will be laid. No application for bail was made and he is due to appear in court again on 5 April.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said the nation’s gun laws will change after it emerged the suspect had a firearms licence. She said he began legally stockpiling weapons in 2017.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said the nation’s gun laws will change after it emerged the suspect had a firearms licence. She said he began legally stockpiling weapons in 2017.
A heightened police presence is visible across the country, including at mosques and public events, and the public have been urged to remain vigilant.
A heightened police presence is visible across the country, including at mosques and public events, and the public have been urged to remain vigilant.
Leaders from around the world, including the Queen as head of state, have offered their condolences to those affected. Donald Trump offered sympathy and comfort during a call to Ardern but has separately said white nationalism is “not really” a growing threat when asked about the issue in light of Friday’s shooting.
Leaders from around the world, including the Queen as head of state, have offered their condolences to those affected. Donald Trump offered sympathy and comfort during a call to Ardern but has separately said white nationalism is “not really” a growing threat when asked about the issue in light of Friday’s shooting.
It has been confirmed that Brenton Harrison Tarrant, 28, has been charged with murdering a man, who cannot be named, in Christchurch.
If convicted, he faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, according to court documents. Police have already said he will face further charges over the shootings in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s police commissioner, Mike Bush, has said the suspect has appeared in court charged with murder and that further charges will be brought against him:
Work is continuing today to build a complete picture of the tragic events in Christchurch yesterday.
New Zealand has never seen an event like this before and NZ Police is dedicating all available resources to our response, not only in Christchurch but right across the country.
45 additional officers were deployed to Christchurch from other districts yesterday, and a further 80 are travelling to the District this morning.
A number of staff from our Māori and Ethnic Services unit have also travelled to Christchurch, to liaise with and support members of the Muslim community there.
A complex investigation is under way into this terrible attack, and Police have a number of a priorities today in terms of investigation and intelligence gathering.
However another absolute focus for us is to ensure that the victims of this attack, including family members and loved ones of those killed and injured, have the best possible structures in place to provide support and welfare.
This attack has been an enormous shock for all New Zealanders, and I am aware that there is a real sense of fear and concern for personal safety, particularly among our Muslim communities.
I want to reassure all New Zealanders that we are doing absolutely everything in our power to respond to this attack, and deploying all available resources in communities across New Zealand.
There is a heightened police presence around the country, including at mosques and community events. We do need members of the public to remain vigilant however, and to report anything suspicious to us by calling 111 immediately.
The 28-year-old man charged with murder in relation to this attack has appeared in Christchurch District Court this morning.
While the man is currently facing only one charge, further charges will be laid. Details of those charges will be communicated at the earliest possible opportunity.
I am travelling to Christchurch this morning where I will speak to media. I will be accompanied by the Canterbury District Commander and other local emergency service leaders.
The time and location will be confirmed via media release as soon as possible - @NZPCommissioner
And there are local media reports that a member of the public tried to gain access to the court building to “knife” the suspect. The New Zealand Herald said the man, who was denied entry to the court, showed a knife to its reporter and said: “What the f*** has happened here?”
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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....
....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:
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.
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.
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 did not discuss references to Trump in the suspect’s manifesto.
