WELLINGTON - Three people are in custody -- one of whom was charged with murder -- after at least one heavily-armed shooter mowed down Muslim worshippers at Friday prayer, massacring 49 people in two New Zealand mosques while broadcasting a horrific live stream of the terror attack.
A 28-year-old Australian-born citizen was in custody after claiming responsibility for the attacks in Christchurch and allegedly posting a white nationalist manifesto immediately before the murder spree. The man, who was not identified, was described by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison as “an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist.” He and three others who were detained – one of which was later released – were not on any watch lists, and one was a woman, investigators said.
“These are people who I would describe as having extremist views, that have absolutely no place in New Zealand and in fact have no place in the world,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said following the massacre.
“This is one of New Zealand’s darkest days,” she added.
In addition to the dead, health officials said 48 people are currently being treated at Christchurch Hospital for gunshot wounds. The chief executive of the Canterbury District Health Board, David Meates, says the patients range from young children to adults and the injuries range from minor to critical, Meates added that 12 operating theaters are being used and some patients will need multiple surgeries, while about 200 family members are at the hospital early Saturday awaiting news about their loved ones.
Officials said 41 people were killed at the Masjid Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch and seven were slain inside the Linwood Masjid Mosque, about ...(More on P4)...(16)