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New Zealand shooting: Jacinda Ardern visits Christchurch to pay tribute to victims - live New Zealand shooting: first burials today as Ardern visits Christchurch victims – live
(about 3 hours later)
New Zealand “alert” to risk of reprisal attacks Ardern has said she hoped to meet first responders in a small room and share some lamingtons. The prime minister looks extremely moved, and said she watched their work in real-time. "I have no doubt that you saved lives - thank you for doing what you do on our darkest days"
New Zealand police commissioner Mike Bush told reporters in Christchurch earlier that he was aware of comments made by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan blaming New Zealand for the anti-Muslim attack and was “alert” to the risk of reprisals. Jacinda Ardern has arrived at the emergency precinct in Christchurch and is shaking the hands of St John’s first responder staff.
“We are taking care to be alert to all kinds of conversations and that will inform our deployment,” Bush said. Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has just held a press conference to deal with one particularly unedifying bit of fallout from the Christchurch terror attacks – comments by the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, that anyone who comes to Turkey with anti-Muslim sentiments would be sent back in coffins, “like their grandfathers were” during the Gallipoli campaign.
“What I can say at the moment most positively is there was only one attacker. The investigation focus is to work out if anyone else was involved in supporting or in any other way and we are still conducting that part of the investigation.” Morrison warned that “all options are on the table” due to the offensive remarks and Australia will review its travel advisory for Turkey, a threat that could see Australians directed not to travel to Turkey for Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli, attended by thousands every year on 25 April.
Officers from the FBI, Australian Federal Police and New South Wales police are on the ground in New Zealand to assist with the investigation and determine whether the suspect in the attack received assistance either in NZ or overseas. Morrison said he did not accept the Turkish ambassador’s “excuses” that the comments were “in the heat of the moment … in an electoral context”.
“We are also working very closely with other countries, other five eyes partners, in terms of cooperation around the profile and travels, etc, to build a comprehensive picture of this person that we will put before the court.” In election rallies, Erdoğan has repeatedly shown excerpts of a video taken by the attacker who killed 50 people in mosques in New Zealand, to denounce what he called rising hatred and prejudice against Islam.
Bush said he understood the frustration of the families of the 50 people killed in the attack and that authorities were working to release bodies as quickly as they could. Morrison said:
Six bodies were released to their families for burial last night and a total of 21 have been formally identified and ready for release. The majority are expected to be cleared for release by tonight, but Bush warned that some would take longer. I believe the comments also completely misrepresent the very strong position taken by the Australian and New Zealand governments in our response to the extremist attack in New Zealand that was committed by an Australian, but in no way, shape, or form, could possibly be taken to represent the actions, or any policy or view of the Australian people.
“We must prove for prosecution the cause of death to the satisfaction of the judge,” he told reporters. “You cannot convict for murder without proving that cause of death... to get it wrong is unforgivable and you cannot come back from that.” All Australians have condemned it, as, indeed, I have, swiftly, and the New Zealand Prime Minister has.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the Turkish president’s warning that anti-Muslim Australians will return home in coffins like their grandfathers if they visit his country is “deeply offensive”. But not only that, it has not just been our condemnation of that attack, but it has been our response, both as countries, who have an open, tolerant society, accepting of all faiths and peoples, that we have reached out to embrace our Muslim brothers and sisters in New Zealand and in Australia, quite to the contrary of the vile assertion that has been made about our response.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said people coming to Turkey with anti-Muslim views would be sent back in coffins like their grandfathers – a reference to the battle of Gallipoli in the first world war – following the Christchurch mosque massacres. The response of our free people in New Zealand and Australia, I think, is the message that needs to be communicated to the Turkish people, and I believe is a view respected by the people of Turkey and certainly by Turkish Australians.”
“I find the comments deeply offensive but also unhelpful. I think it’s our job here not to escalate this. It’s our job to take the temperature down,” Mr Morrison told 2GB radio on Wednesday. Morrison walked a fine line, claiming that he wants to de-escalate the situation and calling for the comments to be withdrawn, while also threatening possible consequences if they are not. Whether this has the desired effect or plays into Erdoğan’s hands remains to be seen.
Erdoğan also called on New Zealand to amend its laws to ensure that the attacker is severely punished. Erdogan said, “If New Zealand fails to hold the attacker accountable, one way or another we will hold him to account.” Eleanor Ainge Roy has written this profile of Jacinda Ardern, a leader of “solace and steel”, who has risen to the occasion of leading her country through one of its darkest days.
He went on to criticise New Zealand and Australia for sending troops to Turkey in the first world war Gallipoli campaign, claiming their motive was anti-Islam-oriented. By Saturday morning she was on the ground in Christchurch with the majority of her cabinet ministers and opposition leaders. Dressed in a black headscarf trimmed with gold, the prime minister met with members of the Muslim community affected by the tragedy. She held them in her arms as they sobbed, whispering words of condolence, and pressing her cheek against theirs. Video footage of those embraces travelled around the world.
Erdoğan has repeatedly shown video footage of the Christchurch mosque attacks to crowds at election rallies and said he would send home “in caskets” anyone attempting such an attack in Turkey, which he claimed was not the work of a lone gunman, comments that have elicited strong criticism from New Zealand. Walking hand in hand with those affected, Ardern’s focus was on grieving and commiserating with the affected community. The alleged killer Brenton Tarrant was not representative of New Zealanders’ values and beliefs, she said. Quite simply he was: “Not us”.
The event has wrapped up and Jacinda Ardern has left the school. As she turned to go a small girl ran up and gave her a hug. Paul Buchanan, a security expert for 36th Parallel, says Ardern’s strength was her empathy, and she has “excelled” in this arena during a time of crisis.
Just as the prime minister was leaving a tiny blonde school girl ran through the crowd and gave "Jacinda" a hug. New Zealand's PM hugged her back - prompting a large smile from the child @MsKateLyons “The way Trump and others talk, tough talk, after terror attacks, all that is posturing. And sometimes it is designed to mask weakness, sometimes it is a thirst for revenge. Ardern is doing none of that.”
“They sound scared,” is the assessment of our reporter on the ground at Cashmere high school, Eleanor Ainge Roy. “It is a leadership style that particularly suits New Zealand. New Zealand does have a serious dark side, it does have racism. But what she is doing is giving us a moment to confront these demons, this darkness and change our ways.”
"Should we have known more about this attacker? Should we have known more about his plans. The main thing is we have to ensure this never, ever happens again". Students are very worried about why the alleged killer wasn't known or identified before the attack. They sound scared 'Real leaders do exist': Jacinda Ardern uses solace and steel to guide a broken nation
Students are asking when a memorial will be held. Ardern says there will be a national memorial day "really soon". Ardern is explaining the killer is australiam who has sporadically come to NZ. She is not referring to him by name She indicated yesterday she never would again. PM Jacinda Ardern will shortly meet first responders who were first on the scene during Friday's attack. Her meeting will occur meters from where the accused made his first appearance in court on Saturday morning. Later, the PM will hold a press conference.
A student has asked about when gun laws will change. Ardern says they will announce details by Monday. Ardern is saying they will be introduced more swiftly than changes to Australian gun law after the port Arthur massacre. Eleanor Ainge Roy is at the emergency precinct in central Christchurch, which Jacinda Ardern is about to visit to meet with first responders. Ambulance staff, civil defence staff and some from the Muslim community are there waiting for the prime minister to arrive. We expect her any moment.
Ardern is explaining why the alleged killer has only had one charge against him. She says there will be "many, many more charges against him". Ardern is explaining why the country remains on high alert, but says there is no specific threat. @MsKateLyons Five days after the mosque attacks familiar police and security faces are beginning to appear, working around the clock to protect the traumatised city. Despite the tension and the stress, security and police have remained utterly professional, friendly and warm – soothing the nerves of locals who aren’t used to seeing rifles on their quiet city streets.
Ardern has been asked how her government will stop another attack in the future. She says there are gaps on gun law. And work on social media, as well as an inquiry. @MsKateLyons During rigorous security checks for media to gain access to the prime minister’s press conference officers smile and joke with weary press, bolstering spirits as day six rolls on.
A number of students have tears in their eyes and there is silence in the school hall. Ardern is asking the students to reject racism. She is asking the students to help her by ensuring they show no tolerance for racism in New Zealand - ever. “Kia Kaha” an officer says. “Stay strong”.
A student has just asked the prime minister how she is. "How am I?" says Ardern. "I am very sad". New Zealand police have started to release the names of the some of the victims. Police said they died at the Al Noor mosque:
Ardern is now speaking about the challenges posed by social media. She says it can be a tool for good - asking students to raise their hands if they heard about the vigil in Hagley Park through social media – but also says it is a place where messages of hate and division can spread. Hati Mohemmed Doud Nabi, 71, of New Zealand.Mohsen Mohammed Al Harbi, 63, of New Zealand.Kamel Moh’d Kamal Kamel Darwish, 38, of Jordan.Junaid Ismail, 36, of New Zealand.Mucaad Ibrahim, 3, of New Zealand.
She tells students that she “alongside some of our international friends” will be looking into what can be done to stop this, but says she needs the help of the students to guard against messages of hatred and division as well. Commissioner Mike Bush said police had now formally identified and released the bodies of 21 people to family members.
“Never underestimate the power of just sending a message, looking out for someone, performing the haka,” says Ardern. “There is power in that, because you are sending a message of support.” "Hope and fear" - front page of the NZ Herald today: pic.twitter.com/38kpHlJVrB
Ardern says that she is sure the students will feel as she does, that they want to make sure everyone feels safe, creating an environment where racism cannot exist. Front page of Christchurch paper The Press today. pic.twitter.com/pNHzbIExn3
“This is my request, I alone cannot get rid of those things, I need help from every single one of us, so yes, gather together, show those outpourings of love, but also let NZ be a place where there is no tolerance for racism ever. That’s something we can all do.” The first burials of victims are being held today in Christchurch, five days after the attacks in which 50 people were killed. Six bodies were released on Tuesday night and prepared for swift burial. Most of the bodies will be released by Wednesday evening, said police.
Ardern says events like Friday’s attack are “completely alien to us” because New Zealand is a country of peace and diversity. Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has visited Cashmere high school, where she was greeted by a haka performed by pupils. She assured the students “It’s OK to grieve” and encouraged them to call or text the 1737 number if they need support. Two Cashmere high school students and one former student died in the attacks.
“I bring the support of a whole bunch of New Zealanders for those who have lost someone and you would have seen that support, I think.” Twenty-nine people are still in Christchurch hospital. Eight people remain in a critical condition in intensive care. The four-year-old girl is still in a critical condition in Starship Hospital in Auckland. Her father is near her in Auckland City Hospital and his condition has improved.
Ardern assures the students “It’s OK to grieve” and encourages them to call or text the 1737 number if they’re having a hard time. New Zealanders have begun handing in their firearms to police. As of Tuesday night, at least 37 had been handed in.
“As New Zealanders we immediately want to do something to help, to contribute and make a difference... It’s why you’ve seen your school be offered cakes and funds to try and help the students affected,” she said. Australia has accused the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of making “deeply offensive” comments after he said anti-Muslim Australians will return home in coffins like their grandfathers
New Zealand police commissioner Mike Bush has said he is “alert” to the risk of reprisals in the wake of Erdoğan’s comments.
The peak organisation for New Zealand’s hunting lobby, Fish and Game NZ, has called for a ban and buyback of military-style semi-automatic weapons in the wake of last week’s attack. Its chief executive, Martin Taylor, said: “They are designed for one thing only and that’s to kill people.”