Christchurch mosque massacre

A gun attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during afternoon prayers has left 49 people dead

Forty-nine people have been killed and another 48 hurt after mass shootings at two Christchurch mosques in what has been described as the worst evil attack on New Zealand.

The police reported the attacks developed today (March 15) at around 1:40 pm NZDT (13 hours ahead of Dublin).

At this moment is known that at least three gunmen opened fire inside two mosques in Christchurch and already four people have been arrested by the police;  Now they are in custody – three men and one woman.

The New Zealand Herald reported that around 400 people were inside Christchurch’s Masjid Al Noor mosque near Hagley Park praying when the shooting began. Also, the police have indicated that 49 people have now been killed and 48 injured.

Jacinda Ardern‏ wrote on her Twitter account: “What has happened in Christchurch is an extraordinary act of unprecedented violence. It has no place in New Zealand. Many of those affected will be members of our migrant communities – New Zealand is their home – they are us.” The PM condemned the violence and encourage the community to stay indoors until the police instruct them.

Ardern said the attack appeared to “have been well planned”, and she did categorise it as terrorism.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush said the shootings were “abhorrent”, and one man in his late 20s had been charged with murder so far. He was not aware of today’s attacks being linked to any other terrorist plots.

Few facts:

-A gunman broadcast live footage on Facebook of the attack on one mosque after publishing a “manifesto” in which he denounced immigrants. -Police urged all mosques across New Zealand to shut their doors in the wake of the incident. -Prime Minister called the Christchurch mosque massacre “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. -Dozens of people have been shot, with 49 killed and 48 injured. Police have confirmed “multiple fatalities” in “significant” incident

Other thoughts:

For many years, New Zealand has been recognized as one of the safest countries in the world. To a large extent, despite today’s events, this condition will endure. But while optimistically, this is an isolated incident, it can not be taken for granted. Reality has shown that in this relaxed and happy form of government, it has been easy for people to plan a devastating attack that has shaken society to the bottom and has provided those responsible for global coverage of their crimes.

As Darren Morton explained, New Zealand has “now tragically joined the sad reality of the world’s future security environment”.