This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2019/mar/15/christchurch-shooting-injuries-reported-as-police-respond-to-critical-incident-live

The article has changed 43 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 40 Version 41
New Zealand shooting: Jacinda Ardern confirms children among victims of mosque massacre – latest updates Christchurch mosque terror attack: New Zealand PM confirms children among shooting victims – latest updates
(30 minutes later)
In response to the Christchurch attacks, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused Western governments of encouraging Islamophobia on Friday. The lockdown of Hawke’s Bay Hospital in Hastings has ended.
In a statement carried by the official government website Rouhani said the shootings showed the need for “all out confrontation against... the Islamophobia pervasive in the West which is unfortunately encouraged by some Western governments.” A police spokeswoman confirmed the lockdown had ended just after 6.30pm following “extensive enquires” at the hospital and surrounding areas.
Rouhani promised Iran’s foreign ministry would “diligently” follow the “arrest and trial of the perpetrators of this heinous act.” “It has been determined there is no threat to hospital staff or the public.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also blamed “Western democracies” for the attack. Syrian Solidarity New Zealand spokesman Ali Akil said that Syrian refugee Khaled Mustafa, who had arrived in New Zealand with his family just a few months ago, was amongst those killed while praying at the Deans Ave mosque in Christchurch on Friday with his two sons, one of whom is injured and the other missing.
Akil said he had spoken to Mustafa’s wife, who was “devastated and deeply horrified”.
The family had “survived atrocities” in Syria and “arrived here in a safe haven only to be killed in the most atrocious way”, said Akil.
“They were just looking for a safe place. Unfortunately we can’t claim that New Zealand is a safe place anymore.”
The chief of surgery for the Christchurch District Health Board, Greg Robertson, said that seven people who had been treated for injuries at Christchurch hospital have been discharged. Of the 39 people still receiving treatment for gunshot wounds, 11 are in still in Intensive Care
In response to the Christchurch attacks, the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, accused western governments of encouraging Islamophobia on Friday.
In a statement carried by the official government website, Rouhani said the shootings showed the need for “all out confrontation against ... the Islamophobia pervasive in the west which is unfortunately encouraged by some western governments”.
Rouhani promised Iran’s foreign ministry would “diligently” follow the “arrest and trial of the perpetrators of this heinous act”.
Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, also blamed “western democracies” for the attack.
“Western hypocrisy of defending demonisation of Muslims as ‘freedom of expression’ MUST end,” Zarif tweeted.“Western hypocrisy of defending demonisation of Muslims as ‘freedom of expression’ MUST end,” Zarif tweeted.
An Australian senator who blamed the New Zealand terror attack on Muslim immigration has been pelted with a egg in Melbourne. An Australian senator who blamed the New Zealand terror attack on Muslim immigration has been pelted with an egg in Melbourne.
Senator Fraser Anning was halfway through a press conference when a teenager threw an egg at him. Reportedly, the Senator responded by hitting him the boy the head. The teenager was then tackled to the ground by the police and then led away. Senator Fraser Anning was halfway through a press conference when a teenager threw an egg at him. Reportedly, the senator responded by hitting the boy on the head. The teenager was then tackled to the ground by the police and then led away.
Anning was slammed yesterday after saying the mosque attack highlighted a “growing fear over an increasing Muslim presence” in Australian and New Zealand communities.Anning was slammed yesterday after saying the mosque attack highlighted a “growing fear over an increasing Muslim presence” in Australian and New Zealand communities.
Someone has just slapped an egg on the back of Australian Senator Fraser Anning's head, who immediately turned around and punched him in the face. @politicsabc @abcnews pic.twitter.com/HkDZe2rn0X
BREAKING: A man is under citizen’s arrest after egging controversial Senator Fraser Anning... ⁦@7NewsMelbourne⁩ pic.twitter.com/ppc7ZsMhJ7BREAKING: A man is under citizen’s arrest after egging controversial Senator Fraser Anning... ⁦@7NewsMelbourne⁩ pic.twitter.com/ppc7ZsMhJ7
Senator Fraser Anning has just been egged while speaking to the media in Melbourne. The young man who did it was led away by police @abcnews pic.twitter.com/Osm2TWupcGSenator Fraser Anning has just been egged while speaking to the media in Melbourne. The young man who did it was led away by police @abcnews pic.twitter.com/Osm2TWupcG
The Saudi-owned satellite news channel Al-Arabiya is reporting one of two citizens of the kingdom wounded in the New Zealand mosque attack has died.The Saudi-owned satellite news channel Al-Arabiya is reporting one of two citizens of the kingdom wounded in the New Zealand mosque attack has died.
The channel, citing his family, said Mohsen al-Muzaini had succumbed to the wounds he suffered in the shooting Friday.The channel, citing his family, said Mohsen al-Muzaini had succumbed to the wounds he suffered in the shooting Friday.
Hawkes Bay Hospital in New Zealand is currently on lockdown after a “security threat”Hawkes Bay Hospital in New Zealand is currently on lockdown after a “security threat”
The 14-year-old boy who was among the injured in the attack has died, his father has confirmed.The 14-year-old boy who was among the injured in the attack has died, his father has confirmed.
Sayyad Milne, a student at Cashmere High School, had been at the mosque with his mother and friends, as he was every Friday.Sayyad Milne, a student at Cashmere High School, had been at the mosque with his mother and friends, as he was every Friday.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, his devastated father John Milne said: “I’ve lost my little boy, he’s just turned 14. I haven’t heard officially yet that he’s actually passed but I know he has because he was seen. [I’m] keeping it together and tears are helping. people are helping. Just by being here, it is helping.”Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, his devastated father John Milne said: “I’ve lost my little boy, he’s just turned 14. I haven’t heard officially yet that he’s actually passed but I know he has because he was seen. [I’m] keeping it together and tears are helping. people are helping. Just by being here, it is helping.”
“I remember him as my baby who I nearly lost when he was born. Such a struggle he’s had throughout all his life. he’s been unfairly treated but he’s risen above that and hes very brave. A brave little soldier. It’s so hard... to see him just gunned down by someone who didn’t care about anyone or anything.“I remember him as my baby who I nearly lost when he was born. Such a struggle he’s had throughout all his life. he’s been unfairly treated but he’s risen above that and hes very brave. A brave little soldier. It’s so hard... to see him just gunned down by someone who didn’t care about anyone or anything.
Milne said that at the mosque his son had been carrying a sign which read: “Everyone love everyone.”Milne said that at the mosque his son had been carrying a sign which read: “Everyone love everyone.”
Authorities in New Zealand have not said exactly what type of firearm was used in the mosque attacks, but prime minister Jacinda Ardern did say in a press conference this afternoon that the weapons “appear to have been modified.”Authorities in New Zealand have not said exactly what type of firearm was used in the mosque attacks, but prime minister Jacinda Ardern did say in a press conference this afternoon that the weapons “appear to have been modified.”
The weapons she was referring two were two semi-automatic rifles, part of the arsenal of five guns that were allegedly in the possession of Australian terror suspect Brenton Tarrant.The weapons she was referring two were two semi-automatic rifles, part of the arsenal of five guns that were allegedly in the possession of Australian terror suspect Brenton Tarrant.
Tarrant held a “category A” firearms licence, which is the entry level gun licence in New Zealand. It is fairly easy to obtain so long as you pass the police background check and complete a firearms safety course. There is no requirement to register category A firearms, meaning that gun owners are able to stockpile as many weapons as they like without being monitored.Tarrant held a “category A” firearms licence, which is the entry level gun licence in New Zealand. It is fairly easy to obtain so long as you pass the police background check and complete a firearms safety course. There is no requirement to register category A firearms, meaning that gun owners are able to stockpile as many weapons as they like without being monitored.
The category A licence entitles the holder to purchase any of more than 2,000 types of firearm, including semi-automatic rifles. It does not entitle them to hold a military-style semi automatic rifle (MSSA) which are restricted to a “category E” and, if owned legally, must be registered and stored securely.The category A licence entitles the holder to purchase any of more than 2,000 types of firearm, including semi-automatic rifles. It does not entitle them to hold a military-style semi automatic rifle (MSSA) which are restricted to a “category E” and, if owned legally, must be registered and stored securely.
Ardern’s comments, together with earlier comments of police commissioner Mike Bush, suggest that Tarrant may have modified a gun that he was legally allowed to own — an ordinary semi-automatic rifle — into a MSSA using a high capacity magazine.Ardern’s comments, together with earlier comments of police commissioner Mike Bush, suggest that Tarrant may have modified a gun that he was legally allowed to own — an ordinary semi-automatic rifle — into a MSSA using a high capacity magazine.
Bush told reporters on Saturday that a “category A” firearm holder “can purchase the firearms without the magazines or the things that will enable them to be in the state that they were.”Bush told reporters on Saturday that a “category A” firearm holder “can purchase the firearms without the magazines or the things that will enable them to be in the state that they were.”
The sale of high-capacity magazines is unregulated in New Zealand.The sale of high-capacity magazines is unregulated in New Zealand.
According to Philip Alpers, a gun policy expert from the Sydney School of Public Health at Sydney University, using a high-capacity magazine would “make those firearms technically illegal… but would be very easy to acquire.”According to Philip Alpers, a gun policy expert from the Sydney School of Public Health at Sydney University, using a high-capacity magazine would “make those firearms technically illegal… but would be very easy to acquire.”
Police Association President Chris Cahill welcomed the Prime Minister’s early commitment to changing New Zealand’s gun laws. “We cannot ignore the role of guns in this event,” he said.Police Association President Chris Cahill welcomed the Prime Minister’s early commitment to changing New Zealand’s gun laws. “We cannot ignore the role of guns in this event,” he said.
Mr Cahill added: “Jacinda Ardern has said emphatically that New Zealand’s gun laws will change and that now is the time for that change. I absolutely agree with her and I believe many New Zealanders will be aghast that in our country someone can amass a cache of weapons like that discovered in this Christchurch tragedy.”Mr Cahill added: “Jacinda Ardern has said emphatically that New Zealand’s gun laws will change and that now is the time for that change. I absolutely agree with her and I believe many New Zealanders will be aghast that in our country someone can amass a cache of weapons like that discovered in this Christchurch tragedy.”
The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has just given a press conference. He confirmed that the main suspect “was on nobody’s radar” and that “this is the real challenge with regard to terrorism”.The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has just given a press conference. He confirmed that the main suspect “was on nobody’s radar” and that “this is the real challenge with regard to terrorism”.
He denounced comments by an Australian senator that blamed the massacre on immigration laws. Fraser Anning’s comments were “appalling” and “ugly” and have no place in Australia or the Australian parliament, he said.He denounced comments by an Australian senator that blamed the massacre on immigration laws. Fraser Anning’s comments were “appalling” and “ugly” and have no place in Australia or the Australian parliament, he said.
Morrison said it was too early to tell whether the shooting suspect, an Australian, would be extradited, saying the process begins with New Zealand’s justice system.Morrison said it was too early to tell whether the shooting suspect, an Australian, would be extradited, saying the process begins with New Zealand’s justice system.
He revealed his personal shock at the events in Christchurch, saying he had lived in New Zealand for some years. “This is a traumatic and tectonic event for New Zealand - it’s such a peaceful place,” he said. “I lived there for some years. For this to happen is incredibly distressing.”He revealed his personal shock at the events in Christchurch, saying he had lived in New Zealand for some years. “This is a traumatic and tectonic event for New Zealand - it’s such a peaceful place,” he said. “I lived there for some years. For this to happen is incredibly distressing.”
He says the “intent was to inspire more hatred and violence. To provide some sort of sick leadership and what we say today is no. Peace and love will triumph.”He says the “intent was to inspire more hatred and violence. To provide some sort of sick leadership and what we say today is no. Peace and love will triumph.”
Children are among the 49 killed in yesterday’s terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, prime minister Jacinda Ardern has saidChildren are among the 49 killed in yesterday’s terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said
The main suspect intended to continue his attack and had modified weapons but was arrested by two community police officers, she said. There were two other firearms were in his vehicle and he was arrested 36 minutes after the first emergency callThe main suspect intended to continue his attack and had modified weapons but was arrested by two community police officers, she said. There were two other firearms were in his vehicle and he was arrested 36 minutes after the first emergency call
He is facing one count of murder but there will be further chargesHe is facing one count of murder but there will be further charges
Thirty-nine people are in hospital, 11 are in intensive care, ranging from children to the elderlyThirty-nine people are in hospital, 11 are in intensive care, ranging from children to the elderly
A 28-year-old Australian man, Brenton Tarrant, has appeared in court on Saturday morning charged with murder. No application for bail was made and he is due to appear in court again on 5 April.A 28-year-old Australian man, Brenton Tarrant, has appeared in court on Saturday morning charged with murder. No application for bail was made and he is due to appear in court again on 5 April.
The city has united in grief, with floral tributes being laid at mosques across the country, including at the botanic gardens close to the sites of both attacks. Religious leaders and charitable organisations have flocked to the area to offer support.The city has united in grief, with floral tributes being laid at mosques across the country, including at the botanic gardens close to the sites of both attacks. Religious leaders and charitable organisations have flocked to the area to offer support.
Attorney general David Parker has reportedly told an Auckland rally the government will move to ban semi-automatic weapons. Earlier, Ardern has said the nation’s gun laws will change after it emerged the suspect had a firearms licence and began legally stockpiling weapons in 2017. He was carrying two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns at the time of the attack.Attorney general David Parker has reportedly told an Auckland rally the government will move to ban semi-automatic weapons. Earlier, Ardern has said the nation’s gun laws will change after it emerged the suspect had a firearms licence and began legally stockpiling weapons in 2017. He was carrying two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns at the time of the attack.
Two boys, aged two and 13, are among the injured being treated at Christchurch hospital, with 12 operating theatres working through the night. Most of the injured will need multiple operations, said chief of surgery Greg Robertson. Four for the 49 people who were killed died on the way to hospital.Two boys, aged two and 13, are among the injured being treated at Christchurch hospital, with 12 operating theatres working through the night. Most of the injured will need multiple operations, said chief of surgery Greg Robertson. Four for the 49 people who were killed died on the way to hospital.
A heightened police presence is visible across the country, including at mosques and public events, and the public have been urged to remain vigilant. Commissioner Mike Bush said: “We are not searching for anyone posing a threat but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.” The main suspect, one of four who were initially arrested, was taken into custody 36 minutes after the first emergency calls came in.A heightened police presence is visible across the country, including at mosques and public events, and the public have been urged to remain vigilant. Commissioner Mike Bush said: “We are not searching for anyone posing a threat but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.” The main suspect, one of four who were initially arrested, was taken into custody 36 minutes after the first emergency calls came in.
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.
Quite a bit of new information there so will bring that to you shortly in a summaryQuite a bit of new information there so will bring that to you shortly in a summary
She says security authorities were aware of a global rise in violent rightwing extremism but that this individual was not on any watchlist for New Zealand or Australia.She says security authorities were aware of a global rise in violent rightwing extremism but that this individual was not on any watchlist for New Zealand or Australia.
Further work will be done to ascertain if he should have been.Further work will be done to ascertain if he should have been.
She says the weapons used in the attack were modified and praised the two police officers who arrested the man. They were rural community cops from Lincoln, she said. They “put New Zealand first”.She says the weapons used in the attack were modified and praised the two police officers who arrested the man. They were rural community cops from Lincoln, she said. They “put New Zealand first”.
Ardern:Ardern:
39 people are in hospital, 11 are in intensive care, ranging from children to the elderly39 people are in hospital, 11 are in intensive care, ranging from children to the elderly
Men, women and children are among those killed as well as injuredMen, women and children are among those killed as well as injured
Police responded immediately to call received, and had main suspect in custody 36 minutes laterPolice responded immediately to call received, and had main suspect in custody 36 minutes later
Two other firearms were in his vehicle and it was his intention to continue with his attack. He is facing one count of murder but there will be further chargesTwo other firearms were in his vehicle and it was his intention to continue with his attack. He is facing one count of murder but there will be further charges
Police are working to build up a picture of the tragic event and a complex investigation is under wayPolice are working to build up a picture of the tragic event and a complex investigation is under way
Jacinda Ardern is speaking nowJacinda Ardern is speaking now
For those separated from family in yesterday’s s attacks, this Red Cross website enables you to register a missing person and register that you are alive.For those separated from family in yesterday’s s attacks, this Red Cross website enables you to register a missing person and register that you are alive.
New Zealand’s attorney general, David Parker, has warned of a global rise in extremism and said the government would ban semi-automatic rifles, the New Zealand Herald has reported.New Zealand’s attorney general, David Parker, has warned of a global rise in extremism and said the government would ban semi-automatic rifles, the New Zealand Herald has reported.
He reportedly made the remarks at a vigil in Auckland’s Aotea Square to loud cheers.He reportedly made the remarks at a vigil in Auckland’s Aotea Square to loud cheers.
“There is a dimming of enlightenment in many parts of the world,” he is quoted as saying, asking how can it be right that the atrocity was livestreamed and broadcast by social media companies.“There is a dimming of enlightenment in many parts of the world,” he is quoted as saying, asking how can it be right that the atrocity was livestreamed and broadcast by social media companies.
His comments follow an earlier promise from the prime minister that gun laws will be changed. She said the main suspect had five firearms on him, including two semi-automatic weapons.His comments follow an earlier promise from the prime minister that gun laws will be changed. She said the main suspect had five firearms on him, including two semi-automatic weapons.