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New Zealand mosque attack: alleged gunman bought four firearms online – live New Zealand mosque attack: alleged gunman bought four firearms online – live
(32 minutes later)
Scott Morrison has ended his speech now with a Maori blessing, which means “stay strong”.
“That’s my plan for Australia,” says Morrison.
Morrison is in electioneering mode now, saying he’ll visit the governor general soon “not for a cup of tea, well, we might have a cup of tea, but to ask him to call an election”.
He’s talking about returning the budget to surplus, having a strong economy to provide services to all Australians without raising taxes.
“Now is not the time for economic experiments, if it ever is,” he says.
On he goes, it’s the Liberal party sales pitch.
“Debate about immigration is not the same as the debate about the value of multiculturalism,” said Morrison, who is reassuring the audience that having concern about managing immigration, particularly in a city like Melbourne, does not make people racist.
“Just because Australians are frustrated by traffic jams does not mean they are anti-migrant and racist ... We cannot allow legitimate debates to be hijacked,” he said.
Morrison says the debate can be hijacked by either side of politics, and condemned those who used debates on immigration to stoke fear and hatred towards migrants.
“If we have a culture of us and them ... we will lose what makes diversity work in Australia and what makes us the most successful multicultural society in the world,” says Morrison.
“The retreat to tribalism is taking over and for some the retreat to extremism is taking over.”
Morrison says “this is true of the left and the right” and is especially true for those “shouting from the fringes” at the the “mainstream of quiet Australians who just want to get on with their life”.
“Contempt is defined by the philosophy of the unsullied conviction in the worthlessness of another. That is where mindless tribalism takes us.
“Last week it entered the lives of 50 fellow human beings including children who simply entered a mosque to pray.”
Morrison has announced an additional $55m in community safety funds.
He says priority will be given to places of worship and religious schools, and the money will go towards spending on security, including CCTV cameras.
“When I say I believe in religious freedom... I know it has to start with the right to worship in safety, without fear of violence.”
Morrison says that as time goes by answers will come as to how the alleged gunman went without detection and is reiterating how little time the alleged gunman spent in Australia over the last few years and travelled widely, consuming a “smorgasbord of hate”.
“Where and how did his vile radicalisation take place? During the last three years the terrorist spent just 45 days in Australia, travelling extensively overseas.
“What laws need to change, what additional actions and precautions need to be taken? Answers to those questions will come with time, and must.
“Such questions are practical and necessary and can be posed and considered without the need for defensiveness or blame.
Morrison says that there have been prayers for “our Muslim brothers and sisters” in churches and synagogues, and people of all faiths and no faiths have reached across the ditch with thoughts and help.
Morrison says Australia has offered all assistance to New Zealand, saying New Zealand’s police and emergency responses are “world-class” but Australia’s offer shows the scale of the problem.
Scott Morrison is speaking in Melbourne and says the people of Australia are “rightly horrified and devastated and indeed ashamed” of what happened in Christchurch.
A terrorist attack committed by an Australian. “It’s hard to say,” says Morrison.
“New Zealand is family,” he says. “Like family we often squabble, we sometimes tease each other, but always when threatened, we stand together.”
“A country of good people, with a good heart,” says Morrison of New Zealand.
#BREAKING Christchurch teenager charged with distributing mosque rampage livestream: court pic.twitter.com/ApXXzgT2mt#BREAKING Christchurch teenager charged with distributing mosque rampage livestream: court pic.twitter.com/ApXXzgT2mt
Gun City managing director, David Tipple, who has confirmed that four firearms were purchased by the alleged gunman from its stores, is telling the press conference that Gun City did not sell the rifle used in the incident.Gun City managing director, David Tipple, who has confirmed that four firearms were purchased by the alleged gunman from its stores, is telling the press conference that Gun City did not sell the rifle used in the incident.
“I watched the video and saw the rifle... and it was not from any Gun City-affiliated store,” he said.“I watched the video and saw the rifle... and it was not from any Gun City-affiliated store,” he said.
However, Tipple said he was not able to verify whether the shotgun used was bought from Gun City.However, Tipple said he was not able to verify whether the shotgun used was bought from Gun City.
Tipple says all sales to the alleged gunman were online sales, over three or four orders, the first of which was about a month after the alleged gunman gained his gun license and the last was in March 2018.Tipple says all sales to the alleged gunman were online sales, over three or four orders, the first of which was about a month after the alleged gunman gained his gun license and the last was in March 2018.
Tipple is resisting attempts from journalists to ask about gun laws.Tipple is resisting attempts from journalists to ask about gun laws.
“This particular day is not about the gun debate,” said Tipple, despite the fact that Jacinda Ardern’s cabinet is currently meeting to discuss changing gun laws.“This particular day is not about the gun debate,” said Tipple, despite the fact that Jacinda Ardern’s cabinet is currently meeting to discuss changing gun laws.
“Today, let’s talk about how these families are dealing with these tragedies committed by this madman.”“Today, let’s talk about how these families are dealing with these tragedies committed by this madman.”
“This man wrote in his manifesto that the purpose of using a firearm was to divide us. If we allow him to make changes in our ideology and our behaviour, he has won.”“This man wrote in his manifesto that the purpose of using a firearm was to divide us. If we allow him to make changes in our ideology and our behaviour, he has won.”
Tipple adds: “I had my grandson say to me: ‘Granddad, why do people think the guns were the problem? The guy was crazy.’ He is six years old.”Tipple adds: “I had my grandson say to me: ‘Granddad, why do people think the guns were the problem? The guy was crazy.’ He is six years old.”
The alleged gunman bought four “A category” firearms and ammunition from Gun City online, said David Tipple, managing director of the store.The alleged gunman bought four “A category” firearms and ammunition from Gun City online, said David Tipple, managing director of the store.
“All Gun City sales to this individual followed a police-verified online mail order process,” said David Tipple.“All Gun City sales to this individual followed a police-verified online mail order process,” said David Tipple.
“I returned from Europe on Saturday and immediately searched all our purchase records and found the alleged gunman’s purchases. I provided the police with full details of the sales.“I returned from Europe on Saturday and immediately searched all our purchase records and found the alleged gunman’s purchases. I provided the police with full details of the sales.
“We detected nothing extraordinary about this license holder.”“We detected nothing extraordinary about this license holder.”
Tipple also confirmed that the military-style semi-automatic weapon used by the alleged gunman was not purchased at Gun City.Tipple also confirmed that the military-style semi-automatic weapon used by the alleged gunman was not purchased at Gun City.
He said that Gun City would cooperate fully with the police, but urged journalists at the press conference not to ask questions that would turn the conversation into a “debate on guns”.He said that Gun City would cooperate fully with the police, but urged journalists at the press conference not to ask questions that would turn the conversation into a “debate on guns”.
Tipple said he and Gun City staff extended their sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives.Tipple said he and Gun City staff extended their sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives.
“This tragedy has devastated us all,” said Tipple.“This tragedy has devastated us all,” said Tipple.
Australian senator Fraser Anning has held a press conference in which he discussed his comments after the Christchurch shooting linking the event to fears about immigration. He has been roundly condemned for the comments, and faces a censure in the Senate when parliament resumes.Australian senator Fraser Anning has held a press conference in which he discussed his comments after the Christchurch shooting linking the event to fears about immigration. He has been roundly condemned for the comments, and faces a censure in the Senate when parliament resumes.
In his press conference today, Anning refused to apologise over the original comments he made, he repeated his calls for a ban on Muslim immigration and said he is not sorry for hitting the 17-year-old boy who egged him.In his press conference today, Anning refused to apologise over the original comments he made, he repeated his calls for a ban on Muslim immigration and said he is not sorry for hitting the 17-year-old boy who egged him.
Four hundred people attended a vigil at Tempelhof Field, Berlin, on Sunday evening toshow solidarity with Muslim communities in light of the terrorist attack in Christchurch.Four hundred people attended a vigil at Tempelhof Field, Berlin, on Sunday evening toshow solidarity with Muslim communities in light of the terrorist attack in Christchurch.
The event was organised by a group of New Zealanders living in Berlin. While much of the crowd came from New Zealand and Australia, many were from elsewhere, includingGermany, Syria, Palestine, The United States of America, The United Kingdom and Turkey.The event was organised by a group of New Zealanders living in Berlin. While much of the crowd came from New Zealand and Australia, many were from elsewhere, includingGermany, Syria, Palestine, The United States of America, The United Kingdom and Turkey.
Berlin vigil co-organiser Jessica Reeves said, “We organised this event here in Berlin toshow the Muslim community all over the world that we stand with them. Instead ofexperiencing grief in isolation we hope people found strength and support in one another.”Berlin vigil co-organiser Jessica Reeves said, “We organised this event here in Berlin toshow the Muslim community all over the world that we stand with them. Instead ofexperiencing grief in isolation we hope people found strength and support in one another.”
New Zealand poet and musician Hinemoana Baker performed Whakaaria mai, andafter a minute of silence for the victims of the terrorist attack, led the 400-strong crowd in the waiata Te Aroha. Following the vigil, much of the crowd remained until sundown, meeting each other and chatting over tea and biscuits.New Zealand poet and musician Hinemoana Baker performed Whakaaria mai, andafter a minute of silence for the victims of the terrorist attack, led the 400-strong crowd in the waiata Te Aroha. Following the vigil, much of the crowd remained until sundown, meeting each other and chatting over tea and biscuits.
Co-organiser Hugh McDonald said, “Christchurch can feel a long way away from Berlin, so it felt comforting to come together as an international community to support one another and those affected.”Co-organiser Hugh McDonald said, “Christchurch can feel a long way away from Berlin, so it felt comforting to come together as an international community to support one another and those affected.”
Vigil goer Jess Baker said, “The vigil warmed my heart. It was an important way for me to grieve for the New Zealand Muslim community from abroad.”Vigil goer Jess Baker said, “The vigil warmed my heart. It was an important way for me to grieve for the New Zealand Muslim community from abroad.”
Trade Me, an auction and sales website in New Zealand, similar to Gumtree, has halted sales of semi-automatic weapons through its site, in the wake of the attacks, in response to public sentiment after the attack.Trade Me, an auction and sales website in New Zealand, similar to Gumtree, has halted sales of semi-automatic weapons through its site, in the wake of the attacks, in response to public sentiment after the attack.
Trade Me CEO Jon Macdonald said: “We’re obviously still reeling, like all New Zealanders, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families and friends.Trade Me CEO Jon Macdonald said: “We’re obviously still reeling, like all New Zealanders, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families and friends.
“We’ve had a lot of contact from Kiwis over the weekend about this issue, and many felt that we should stop the sale of these items in the wake of this attack. We’ve listened to these sentiments and we’ve put this ban in place while we await clear direction from the Government.”“We’ve had a lot of contact from Kiwis over the weekend about this issue, and many felt that we should stop the sale of these items in the wake of this attack. We’ve listened to these sentiments and we’ve put this ban in place while we await clear direction from the Government.”
Trade Me already restricted the types of firearms that can be listed to ‘A’ category firearms in sporting configuration, as commonly used by hunters, recreational shooters or in rural communities as tools on farms.Trade Me already restricted the types of firearms that can be listed to ‘A’ category firearms in sporting configuration, as commonly used by hunters, recreational shooters or in rural communities as tools on farms.
It does not allow the sale of military style semi-automatic weapons, parts which could change an ‘A’ category firearm into a military style semi-automatic weapons, pistols, or restricted weapons.It does not allow the sale of military style semi-automatic weapons, parts which could change an ‘A’ category firearm into a military style semi-automatic weapons, pistols, or restricted weapons.
“But it is clear public sentiment has changed in relation to semi-automatic weapons and we acknowledge that, which is why we’re putting this ban in place,” said Macdonald. “There is a bit of work involved in doing this but we will have these listings removed later today.”“But it is clear public sentiment has changed in relation to semi-automatic weapons and we acknowledge that, which is why we’re putting this ban in place,” said Macdonald. “There is a bit of work involved in doing this but we will have these listings removed later today.”
A cartoon in today’s New Zealand Herald.A cartoon in today’s New Zealand Herald.
Nazis and racists online - cartoon by @GuyKeverneBody in today's Herald about the complicity of those stoking hatred: pic.twitter.com/KSJsFjpnGWNazis and racists online - cartoon by @GuyKeverneBody in today's Herald about the complicity of those stoking hatred: pic.twitter.com/KSJsFjpnGW
Former Australian race discrimination commissioner Tim Soutphommasane, has called on the Australian media to “wake up” and evaluate the way it covers far-right views.
Soutphommasane tweeted a video from breakfast television show Sunrise, in which host David Koch asked Senator Pauline Hanson whether she felt complicit in the Christchurch shootings. Hanson disputed this and then argued Australia had lost its identity, Australian people lived in fear of terrorism and warned that Australia not become like the UK, France and Sweden.
Wake up, Australian media. Giving hate-mongers helped create the conditions for this atrocity to take place. You can scrutinise far-right extremists without giving them yet more free air to spread their hate. Stop being complicit https://t.co/xodIXj70qL
The first funerals of those killed in Friday’s shootings are expected to be held today, the ABC are reporting.
New Zealand immigration authorities have said they will fast-track visa applications for the families of people killed or injured in the Christchurch mosque massacre.
Immigration New Zealand’s Steve McGill said he wanted to make things as easy as possible for people to lay their loved ones to rest or support family members injured in the mass shooting on Friday.
“These are unprecedented circumstances for everyone and INZ is committed to ensuring we do everything we can to support those who have been affected and make the visa application process as smooth as possible,” he said on Monday.
Relatives are planning funerals for those killed in the terror attack, with Islamic tradition dictating that bodies be buried as soon as possible after death.
Authorities expect to be able to release all the bodies to their families by Wednesday.
Immigration authorities are also working through possible options for people on temporary visas who have been affected by the attack.
Penny Wong, Australia’s shadow minister for foreign affairs, gave a speech lat night at the vigil for the victims of the Christchurch shooting at Marion mosque at Park Holme, near Adelaide.
The full text of the speech is here:
We gather here tonight in a time of great sorrow and a time of great sadness.
We gather to mourn the tragic and senseless murder of fifty people – mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters – Attacked in their place of worship as they came together for Friday prayers, a sacred time.
We gather to show compassion and support to friends and families of those lost, and all those injured and recovering.
We gather in solidarity with the people of New Zealand and with the Muslim community, the Muslim peoples everywhere.
On Friday we saw horrific acts of violence. They were acts of terrorism, and at their core, they were acts of hatred. This terrorist was welcomed into the Mosque as a brother and he responded with hate, and with bullets.
He is an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist but most of all he does not represent Australian values. He is not who we are.
So to the Muslim community here and across this nation, we know that you are experiencing great pain and sorrow and we stand with you. We abhor these acts of extremist violence.
We reject the extreme right-wing ideology, the hatred and the intolerance, that led to these acts of extremist violence. But most importantly we reject hatred in all its forms.
Together we stand for Australian values of inclusion, acceptance and respect; a belief in equality; the rejection of racism; the rejection of prejudice; the rejection of division. These are the values of our Australia and this is the nation in which we have faith.
We have seen some shameful comments by a Senator, who I will not name, a shameful and pathetic attempt by a man who has never been elected, to get attention by exploiting our diversity as a fault line for political advantage.
This Senator does not speak for us. He does not speak for Australia and he does not represent Australian values but he does do one thing, he reminds us how important it is that we all stand together united against hatred.
Leaders – political, community, religious, all of us – stand united against hatred. Because we saw tragically in the loss of life on Friday where hatred leads us.
We here today know these truths. We know that a nation that is divided is never stronger. We know that making others lesser, fanning prejudice and discrimination, has never made a nation safer. We know that no group within our society is immune from the effects of hatred.
And we know it is the responsibility of all of us to stand against hatred in all its forms, and embrace tolerance, acceptance and honour our shared humanity.
In the aftermath of Friday’s attacks, the Imam Hasan Centre issued a statement and I believe the sentiments deserve reflection tonight.
“It is times like this that we lose hope and doubt humanity, when people of faith come under attack in such a way, it shows us how low humanity can fall. However, it never ceases to amaze how far humanity can rise after such despicable events”.
“United as a community, we can overcome these barbaric events wherever they happen. Divided we become barbaric ourselves and the innocent lives lost around the world should be a sign for us to unite against hate.”
So now friends, this is the time to show those who seek to divide us just how far humanity can rise.
To the people of New Zealand, and in particular the New Zealand Islamic community, your Australian family grieves with you. Like you we mourn the tragic and senseless loss of life. We stand with you in this time of sorrow and sadness and we commit to stand against hatred in all its forms.
And by being here tonight it is an act by all of you, an act of faith, to demonstrate that we work together towards a society where all are welcome, where all may live in peace and security.
Because we here tonight know that respect and hope are greater than fear, and that love is greater than hate.
Christchurch locals are returning to work today after a weekend reeling from the shootings on Friday. One local, Marianne Mccormick described her journey as she rode past the Botanical Gardens, near Al Noor mosque, one of the sights of the shooting, on the her way to work and described what she saw.
“I rode my bike to work this morning and went past the thousands of flowers and messages, I stopped my bike and walked past it all slowly and wanted to cry, it makes me so emotional, it makes the whole city emotional.”
She also said the helicopters haven’t stopped since the attacks and that is all that Christchurch locals can hear at night.
Biker gang performs haka in tribute to Christchurch shooting victims
The organisers of New Zealand’s largest gun show say they have cancelled the event to show respect for victims of the Christchurch massacre and because of “elevated security risks”.
Jacinda Ardern vowed to tighten gun laws after the attack and the New Zealand cabinet are currently meeting to discuss changes to the legislation. She says banning private ownership of semi-automatic rifles, which were used to devastating effect in Friday’s attack on two Christchurch mosques, is an option.
The Kumeu Militaria Show, near Auckland, has been held for about five years.
In a statement announcing cancellation of the 23 March event, organisers say the show aims to support servicemen and women and promote interest in New Zealand’s military history.
The front page of the New Zealand Herald for Monday March 18, 2019 @nzherald @ShayneCurrieNZH You are in our thoughts at @TheSundayIndo @Independent_ie pic.twitter.com/JHQYblTuVi
And here is the coverage from some of the other New Zealand papers.
I'm impressed and moved by third-day coverage front pages from New Zealand after Friday's Mosque shooting. Death toll is now up to 50. That New Zealand Herald front -- the one with the hearts -- is amazing. pic.twitter.com/6QysLaBNS5
Jacinda Ardern has spoken with British prime minister Theresa May, who offered New Zealand any assistance needed in the wake of Friday’s shootings.
“The leaders discussed the swift and exemplary response of New Zealand’s security and health services and the numerous acts of bravery carried out by police and other first responders,” a spokesperson for May said in a statement.
Meanwhile in Manchester in the UK, two people have been charged, after a taxi driver was subjected to abuse and threats that referenced the New Zealand terrorist attacks.
Natalie Rudman, 34, and Sean Allen, 33, have been charged with a section 4 racially aggravated public order offence.
They have been bailed to appear at Manchester magistrates court on 9 April.
Shortly before 12.20am on 17 Sunday March, police were called to Queensway, Rochdale, following a report that passengers had referenced the New Zealand terrorist attacks while abusing and threatening a taxi driver.
New Zealand’s cabinet are meeting this morning to begin work to change gun laws.
Prime minster Jacinda Ardern said on Sunday that gun regulation would be discussed at Monday’s cabinet meeting, telling reporters: “We cannot be deterred from the work we need to do on our gun laws in New Zealand. They need to change.”
It is alleged that the suspect in the attack, Australian Brenton Tarrant, had a firearms licence and five guns.
Civilians in New Zealand own an estimated 1.2m firearms, making the country’s per capita rate of gun ownership higher than Australia’s, but still far below the US.
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage as New Zealand continues to reel from Friday’s deadly attack in Christchurch.
Australian police said they had executed two search warrants in towns on the New South Wales mid-north coast related to the investigation into Friday’s mass shootings at mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.
Police said that at around 8:30 am on Monday a search warrant was executed by the New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) at a home in the town of Sandy Beach, near Coffs Harbour, and shortly after another warrant was executed at a home in Lawrence, near Maclean.
“The primary aim of the activity is to formally obtain material that may assist New Zealand Police in their ongoing investigation,” the Australian federal police and NSW police said in a joint statement.
They said the family of the Australian man arrested in Christchurch were assisting police.
“The community can be assured that there is no information to suggest a current or impending threat related to the search warrants,” the statement said.
Counter-terrorism police raid two NSW homes in relation to Christchurch attack