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New Zealand mosque attack: Ardern says cabinet has agreed gun reform 'in principle' – live New Zealand mosque attack: Indonesia reportedly calls in Australian ambassador over Anning comments – live
(32 minutes later)
Today the Prime Minister announced an inquiry into the attack, a move we at Police welcome.It is important we learn any lessons we can from this tragedy.She also spoke about surrendering firearms.
As per existing processes we are happy for people to surrender their firearms to Police.
We would ask that they please call their local Police Station or Arms officer first for advice on the safe transport of the firearm to Police and to alert our staff ahead of time, given the current situation.
Finally, I want to thank the public for their overwhelmingly positive feedback and messages of support.I know it is greatly appreciated by our staff who work tirelessly to keep our community safe - @NZPCommissioner
An 18-year-old man was denied bail at a court in New Zealand on Monday after he was charged with distributing a live stream of the mass shooting at a mosque last week, the New Zealand Herald reported.
The man was arrested on Friday, but police have since said they do not believe he was directly involved in the attacks at two mosques in Christchurch which happened on the same day, in which 50 worshippers were killed.
He faces charges of sharing the gunman’s live-stream and posting a photograph of one of the mosques attacked with the message “target acquired” along with other chat messages “inciting extreme violence”, the Herald reported.
His request for bail was refused but the judge granted him name suppression. He is due back in court next month.
The teen was initially charged with publishing material insulting other races and ethnicities but that charge was withdrawn and replaced by the two new charges on Monday.
The ABC’s Indonesia correspondent reports that this morning Indonesia called in its Australian ambassador to convey strong condemnation over Fraser Anning’s statements.
This morning Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi summoned Australian Ambassador @DubesAustralia and conveyed strong condemnation of Fraser Anning's statement on Friday
The Australian government has issued updated travel advice for Australian tourists, warning them that “demonstrations and protests against Australia may occur” in response to the attack. Smartraveller warned Australians to “avoid demonstrations and protests, as they can turn violent” and to report suspicious behaviour.
The full advice is here:
The shocking and unprecedented events in Christchurch on 15 March continue to reverberate globally.
The terrorist attack, motivated by extreme right-wing ideology, has drawn strong condemnation internationally.
Demonstrations and protests against Australia may occur.
Australians travelling overseas should continue to use common sense, be vigilant and exercise caution. They should look out for and report suspicious behaviour, as they would in Australia. They should monitor the media and other sources for information about possible new safety or security threats, and follow the advice of local authorities. They should avoid demonstrations and protests, as they can turn violent.
Australia keeps its travel advisories under constant review, and will continue to assess whether the risks for Australians travelling have changed.
The safety and security of Australians in Australia and overseas is our highest priority.
New Zealand’s police chief said on Monday that they are certain there was only one attacker involved in the mass shooting in Christchurch last week.New Zealand’s police chief said on Monday that they are certain there was only one attacker involved in the mass shooting in Christchurch last week.
“I want to definitely state that we believe that there was only one attacker responsible for this horrendous event,” Police Commissioner Mike Bush told a media conference.“I want to definitely state that we believe that there was only one attacker responsible for this horrendous event,” Police Commissioner Mike Bush told a media conference.
“That doesn’t mean there weren’t possibly other people in support, and that continues to form a very, very important part of our investigation,” he added.“That doesn’t mean there weren’t possibly other people in support, and that continues to form a very, very important part of our investigation,” he added.
Bush said this is the largest investigation ever undertaken by the New Zealand police, involving more than 200 NZ police and experts, as well as investigators from the FBI and the Australian Federal Police.Bush said this is the largest investigation ever undertaken by the New Zealand police, involving more than 200 NZ police and experts, as well as investigators from the FBI and the Australian Federal Police.
Bush said he the threat level in New Zealand remained high and New Zealanders would continue to see high vigilance from the police, to ensure everyone in New Zealand feels safe.Bush said he the threat level in New Zealand remained high and New Zealanders would continue to see high vigilance from the police, to ensure everyone in New Zealand feels safe.
He also thanked the public for their “absolutely overwhelming positive support” to members of the police and emergency services. “It has been absolutely heartwarming, the commentary that we’re getting about our people... we could not be more proud of our people.”He also thanked the public for their “absolutely overwhelming positive support” to members of the police and emergency services. “It has been absolutely heartwarming, the commentary that we’re getting about our people... we could not be more proud of our people.”
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) has released a statement saying they welcome the inquiry into the Christchurch terrorist attacks, announced by Jacinda Ardern in her press conference this afternoon.The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) has released a statement saying they welcome the inquiry into the Christchurch terrorist attacks, announced by Jacinda Ardern in her press conference this afternoon.
“I welcome the inquiry announced today. There are important questions which need answers,” said Rebecca Kitteridge, the director-general of security.“I welcome the inquiry announced today. There are important questions which need answers,” said Rebecca Kitteridge, the director-general of security.
“We embrace the opportunity to learn from this terrible experience. Our work must often be carried out in secret, but I am a big believer in transparency where possible.“We embrace the opportunity to learn from this terrible experience. Our work must often be carried out in secret, but I am a big believer in transparency where possible.
“I am always limited in what I can say about individuals and that’s especially the case while there is an active police investigation.“I am always limited in what I can say about individuals and that’s especially the case while there is an active police investigation.
“The person charged with murder has not ever been brought to the attention of NZSIS and is not known to NZSIS or our Australian counterpart.“The person charged with murder has not ever been brought to the attention of NZSIS and is not known to NZSIS or our Australian counterpart.
“Over the last nine months, NZSIS has increased its effort to obtain a better picture of the threat posed to New Zealand by far right extremist groups. The NZSIS has over recent years received a number of tips from the public concerning right wing extremism and has taken each one seriously.”“Over the last nine months, NZSIS has increased its effort to obtain a better picture of the threat posed to New Zealand by far right extremist groups. The NZSIS has over recent years received a number of tips from the public concerning right wing extremism and has taken each one seriously.”
My colleague Helen Davidson has this story of the police officers who arrested the Christchurch shooting suspect. The officers, who were visiting from a rural Canterbury station have been praised as heroes for their actions.My colleague Helen Davidson has this story of the police officers who arrested the Christchurch shooting suspect. The officers, who were visiting from a rural Canterbury station have been praised as heroes for their actions.
The pair, who were in the city for a training session on dealing with armed offenders, represented the professionalism of the police force, said Chris Cahill, the president of the New Zealand Police Association. “The ability to make quick decisions to go forward and act made all police officers in New Zealand and around the world incredibly proud,” he said.The pair, who were in the city for a training session on dealing with armed offenders, represented the professionalism of the police force, said Chris Cahill, the president of the New Zealand Police Association. “The ability to make quick decisions to go forward and act made all police officers in New Zealand and around the world incredibly proud,” he said.
Police commissioner Mike Bush, said on Sunday the suspect was “non compliant”, and the officers – who remained unidentified – “had to use some force and tactical options”. “They put themselves in harm’s way to stop any further attack and I do believe they did prevent further attacks.”Police commissioner Mike Bush, said on Sunday the suspect was “non compliant”, and the officers – who remained unidentified – “had to use some force and tactical options”. “They put themselves in harm’s way to stop any further attack and I do believe they did prevent further attacks.”
'Incredibly proud': rural police who arrested Christchurch suspect hailed heroes'Incredibly proud': rural police who arrested Christchurch suspect hailed heroes
Cabinet has agreed to “in principle decision” about reforming New Zealand’s gun laws, but Jacinda Ardern has not announced details of what these changes will be, saying that details would be announced within 10 days of Friday’s attack in which at least 50 people were killed.Cabinet has agreed to “in principle decision” about reforming New Zealand’s gun laws, but Jacinda Ardern has not announced details of what these changes will be, saying that details would be announced within 10 days of Friday’s attack in which at least 50 people were killed.
Ardern was expected to announce details of the proposed changes. Prior to the meeting Ardern said options included a ban on semi-automatic rifles/Ardern was expected to announce details of the proposed changes. Prior to the meeting Ardern said options included a ban on semi-automatic rifles/
When asked about the delay, Ardern said: “There’s details to work through... These aren’t simple areas of law. So that’s simply what we’ll be taking the time to get right.”When asked about the delay, Ardern said: “There’s details to work through... These aren’t simple areas of law. So that’s simply what we’ll be taking the time to get right.”
Ardern defended her government, saying that after the Port Arthur massacre in Australia, the government of Australia took 12 days to make a decision around tightening gun laws, and New Zealand had made an “in principle” decision in 72 hours.Ardern defended her government, saying that after the Port Arthur massacre in Australia, the government of Australia took 12 days to make a decision around tightening gun laws, and New Zealand had made an “in principle” decision in 72 hours.
Ardern said the decision was backed by all of cabinet, including the NZ First party, led by Winston Peters, which are in a power-sharing arrangement, with Ardern saying “we are of one mind”. Peters’ party has previously opposed attempts to reform gun laws, but Peters said that after 1pm last Friday: “Our world changed forever and so will some of our laws.”Ardern said the decision was backed by all of cabinet, including the NZ First party, led by Winston Peters, which are in a power-sharing arrangement, with Ardern saying “we are of one mind”. Peters’ party has previously opposed attempts to reform gun laws, but Peters said that after 1pm last Friday: “Our world changed forever and so will some of our laws.”
Jacinda Ardern said that she had heard some reports of people handing in their guns to police and encouraged others to follow their lead. Asked about reports of people “panic-buying” weapons, Ardern said these were anecdotal and she would warn anyone considering buying a gun to “wait a few days” to hear the new laws, before making such an investment.Jacinda Ardern said that she had heard some reports of people handing in their guns to police and encouraged others to follow their lead. Asked about reports of people “panic-buying” weapons, Ardern said these were anecdotal and she would warn anyone considering buying a gun to “wait a few days” to hear the new laws, before making such an investment.
Ardern said the government would also launch an inquiry into the events leading up to the shootings, including the alleged gunman’s travel and social media use.Ardern said the government would also launch an inquiry into the events leading up to the shootings, including the alleged gunman’s travel and social media use.
Ardern said that she had been given reassurances by intelligence services that all concerns voiced by Muslim citizens had been taken seriously and leads had been followed up, but that it wasn’t enough to pass on these reassurances, hence the inquiry.Ardern said that she had been given reassurances by intelligence services that all concerns voiced by Muslim citizens had been taken seriously and leads had been followed up, but that it wasn’t enough to pass on these reassurances, hence the inquiry.
Ardern says police are looking into the “patterns of behaviour” that often follow attacks like this one, including retaliatory and copycat attacks. She says for this reason, New Zealand’s threat level will remain at “high”.Ardern says police are looking into the “patterns of behaviour” that often follow attacks like this one, including retaliatory and copycat attacks. She says for this reason, New Zealand’s threat level will remain at “high”.
Does Christchurch have a problem with racism? asks a journalist.Does Christchurch have a problem with racism? asks a journalist.
Ardern says she wants to reiterate the comments of Winston Peters and remind people: “In this case, the primary suspect here, the person who was arrested was not a citizen of New Zealand.”Ardern says she wants to reiterate the comments of Winston Peters and remind people: “In this case, the primary suspect here, the person who was arrested was not a citizen of New Zealand.”
But she continues: “That is not to say that there are not those who live in New Zealand who have values and ideas and use language that is counter to what the vast majority of New Zealanders believe. We cannot ignore that. If we are to ensure the safety of Muslims and others, the 200 ethnicities in New Zealand, we have to be alive to the fact there are those who do not share our values of openness.”But she continues: “That is not to say that there are not those who live in New Zealand who have values and ideas and use language that is counter to what the vast majority of New Zealanders believe. We cannot ignore that. If we are to ensure the safety of Muslims and others, the 200 ethnicities in New Zealand, we have to be alive to the fact there are those who do not share our values of openness.”
A journalist says that Muslim leaders have said they have felt threatened for years and have had their threats ignored.
Jacinda Ardern says that she is aware of these reports, that she has been told by intelligence services that every lead given to authorities has been followed up on. However, Ardern says that it is not enough for her to simply pass on the reassurances of agencies and that is why there will be an inquiry into what led up to the attack.
Winston Peters has been asked about the use of the video live-stream of the attack by Turkish authorities.
Peters said he had made it clear to Turkish leaders that New Zealand would take it very seriously if there was any suggestion that New Zealand condoned the attack. He says the attack was perpetrated by someone who is not a New Zealander and that New Zealand condemns terrorism in any form.
“We did not start or bring about this disaster,” he said.
Ardern has been asked about reports that people have been “panic-buying” guns. Ardern says she has only heard anecdotal accounts of this and warns anyone considering buying a gun to wait a few days to get some certainty around the laws before investing.
Ardern says that Facebook and Instagram are continuing to remove any replicas of the video of the attack. But she says the fact the video was shared 1.5million times, shows there is scope to “take a very direct approach to speech that incites violence or that incites hate”.
“I would call on our social media platforms to demonstrate responsibility... There’s a lot of work that needs to be done.”
Ardern says they are looking into the “patterns of behaviour” that often follow attacks like this one, including retaliatory and copycat attacks.
She says for this reason, New Zealand’s threat level will remain at “high”.
Ardern says police and intelligence are taking a careful approach.
Ardern is being asked if this decision was supported by NZ First party, led by Winston Peters, who is the deputy prime minister and is standing next to Jacinda Ardern at the press conference.
Peters says that his party has previously not supported recommendations to restrict gun laws, but that after 1pm last Friday: “Our world changed forever and so will some of our laws.”
Ardern has been asked for more detail about the changes to gun laws. She says that the government has, within 72 hours of the attack, agreed to in- principle changes, and now they want to take a moment to make sure they have worked out all the details of the legislation.
Ardern is comparing New Zealand’s response time to the response time of the Australian government in introducing tougher gun laws after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
Ardern says that a heavy police presence will continue to be seen on New Zealand’s streets. This is not about a specific threat, she says, but so as to reassure people and keep them safe.
Families who have lost a loved one in the attack can apply for a funeral grant up to $NZ10,000 and there can be additional money for those who want to return their loved ones overseas, says Ardern.
Ardern says there will be a review of the events leading up to the attack and the work of the intelligence services, as well as the alleged gunman’s travel leading up to his time in New Zealand and his use of social media.
The form of the inquiry will be revealed at a later date.
The government has also had preliminary discussions around plans for commemorations of the victims of the two attacks.
Ardern says the memorial will not be held this week, so that families have an opportunity to grieve together.