Christian Terrorist Shoots Muslims in Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, 49 Dead
Christchurch: Several people were reported dead when a gunman opened fire at a crowded mosque in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, during afternoon prayers on Friday.
Localmedia reported at least 49 people were dead and the South Island city was placed in lockdown as police hunted for an “active shooter.”
The gunman at one mosque was an Australian-born citizen, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in Sydney, describing him as “an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist”.
“A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter,” police said in a statement.
The two known targets were the Masjid al Noor in central Christchurch, and a second mosque in suburban Linwood.
“Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high.”
The Masjid al Noor was filled with worshippers, including members of the Bangladesh cricket team .
Onebwitness said he was praying in the Deans Ave mosque when he heard shooting and saw his wife lying dead on the footpath outside when he fled.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking to reporters in Sydney, extended his sympathies to all New Zealand people and “particularly those of Islamic faith”.
“Australia and New Zealand — we’re not just allies, we’re not just partners. We’re family. As family members … we grieve, we are shocked, we are appalled, we are outraged.
“We stand here and condemn absolutely the attack that occurred today by an extremist, right-wing, violent Christian terrorist (who) has taken the lives, stolen lives, in a vicious, murderous attack.”
Aneyewitness told Radio New Zealand he heard shots fired and four people were lying on the ground, with “blood everywhere”.
Unconfirmed reports said the shooter was wearing military-style clothing.
Local media reported a shooting at a second mosque in a Christchurch suburb.Police commissioner Mike Bush said all schools in the city had been placed in lockdown in response to “a serious ongoing firearms incident”.
“Police urge anyone in central Christchurch to stay off the streets and report any suspicious behaviour,” he said in a statement.
Central city buildings, including the Civic Offices and Central Library, were also locked down.
Twirtter busted with all types of views.
حسبي الله عليه ونعم الوكيل وعلى كل الإرهابيين الفيديو مرعب كاااارثة 😞 pic.twitter.com/ls2lpc6c13
— MBS🇸🇦🕊Deema Assiry (@DeemaAssiry) March 15, 2019
