49 people have been killed and 42 wounded in mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on Thursday. Three people are in custody in connection to the shootings, police confirm.
**Follow all of the events on the Breitbart News Live Wire below. All times in eastern.**
5:01 PM — (AP) — A man who can’t find out information about what happened to his father and two brothers in one of the New Zealand mosques that were attacked has pushed through police barricades in an effort to get closer. A police officer stopped Ash Mohammed, who told the officer “we just want to know if they are dead or alive.”
Mohammed said Saturday that he has repeatedly called cellphones for his relatives that rang unanswered and then appeared to have run out of battery power. He says he has not heard from his father and brother since Friday, when they went to the mosque.
Mohammed says he had planned to join them for prayers but did not because an appointment he had with a lawyer about buying a house went late.
4:46 PM — (AP) — A senior Turkish official says the suspect arrested in the New Zealand mosque attack travelled to Turkey multiple times and spent what the official called an “extended period of time in the country.
He says the suspect may have also travelled to countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with Turkish government rules. The official says an investigation is underway of “the suspect’s movements and contacts within the country.”
He did not say when the suspect travelled to Turkey.
4:44 PM — New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern holds a press briefing on the deadly New Zealand mosque shootings.
Jacinda Ardern says she is looking into a ban on semi-automatic weapons and has sought advice on that.
— Richard James (@richjamesuk) March 15, 2019
Ardern says 125 extra police have been sent to Christchurch in wake of the attack.
— CP24 (@CP24) March 15, 2019
4:30 PM —
The front page of The Press, Christchurch’s main newspaper, today. Words cannnot describe… pic.twitter.com/FFoxHMB92m
— Anna Fifield (@annafifield) March 15, 2019
4:00 PM — President Donald Trump takes questions on the deadly New Zealand mosque shootings during a veto ceremony of a Congressional effort to block his emergency declaration at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Reporter: Do you see white nationalism as a rising threat around the world?
President Trump: “I don’t really. I think it's a small group of people that have very, very serious problems. I guess, if you look at what happened in New Zealand, perhaps that's a case." pic.twitter.com/Ae8xYLjQcZ
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 15, 2019
3:45 PM — President Donald Trump offers condolences to those impacted by the deadly New Zealand mosque shootings.
HAPPENING NOW: President Trump offers condolences after New Zealand mass shooting https://t.co/tGvLVgpU5w pic.twitter.com/WjM7m0j11C
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 15, 2019
3:41 PM — New York Times’ Wajahat Ali blames the New Zealand mosque shootings on President Donald Trump enabling white nationalism.
Tired. Very little sleep. Stumbled with my words a bit but thank you to @BrookeBCNN for giving me space to say my piece about #Christchurch and the rise of white nationalism and how Trump is enabling it.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) March 15, 2019
3:40 PM — (AP) — Officials say nine Indian nationals or people of Indian origin are missing after the mosque attacks in Christchurch. India’s high commissioner to New Zealand, Sanjiv Kohli, tweeted Saturday that nine people were missing and called the attack a “huge crime against humanity.”
Indian officials have not said whether the nine were believed to be living in Christchurch. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a letter to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern saying that “hatred and violence have no place in diverse and democratic societies.”
An immigrant-hating white nationalist killed at least 49 people gathered for weekly prayers in a live-streamed attack. Another 48 people suffered gunshot wounds.
3:38 PM — Christchurch Mayor Lianne Daziel holds a press briefing on the mosque shootings:
HAPPENING NOW: The Mayor of Christchurch is addressing the Mosque shooting massacre https://t.co/tGvLVgpU5w pic.twitter.com/XW7pkNvbmz
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 15, 2019
3:24 PM — New Zealand police say three people are in custody, suggesting one was released.
Our thoughts go out to those who have been affected by this unprecedented event.
A 28-year-old man will appear in Christchurch District Court today charged with murder.
Two others remain in custody.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
3:18 PM —
Areeb Ahmed, a 27-year-old chartered accountant from Karachi is among the injured of Friday's attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/sRKFcpakkM
— Sabena Siddiqi (@sabena_siddiqi) March 15, 2019
3:16 PM — Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) appears to claim a so-called U.S. “white supremacy” agenda inspired the New Zealand mosque shootings.
Rep. @RashidaTlaib on the massacre in Christchurch. "I am so angry at those who follow the "white supremacy" agenda in my own country that sends a signal across the world that massacres like this is some kind of call to action." pic.twitter.com/qKS4XGs6Gt
— Lauren Fox (@FoxReports) March 15, 2019
3:15 PM —
A police officer on the scene has just confirmed to @SundayTVNZ that there are still bodies lying inside the Al Noor Mosque. @1NewsNZ #Christchurch pic.twitter.com/aCPNg6Ka55
— Jehan Casinader (@jehancasinader) March 15, 2019
2:48 PM — Suspected New Zealand mosque gunman Brenton Tarrant scheduled to appear in Christchurch District Court to face murder charges on Saturday, according to the New Zealand Herald.
A police statement reads: “Our investigations are in their early stages and we will be looking closely to build a picture of any of the individuals involved and all of their activities prior to this horrific event. There is no guarantee the risk is limited to Canterbury and we need all New Zealanders to be extra vigilant. Our message to you is simple: if you see something suspicious, say something – call 111 immediately. Police is aware there are distressing materials related to this event circulating widely online. We would urge anyone who has been affected by seeing these materials to seek appropriate support.”
2:42 PM — Radio New Zealand reports a 5-year-old girl and her father are among the dead.
2:37 PM — German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses the New Zealand mosque shootings:
"This is an attack directed against Muslims; it is also an attack on New Zealand's democracy and on an open and tolerant society".
– Chancellor Angela Merkel on the #Christchurch attack.#NewZealand #NewZealandTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/ASUpelrJ6v
— DW Politics (@dw_politics) March 15, 2019
2:25 PM — Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen issues a statement on the New Zealand mosque shootings, says the agency is “not aware of any current, credible, or active threats” in the U.S.
Nielsen statement on N.Z. mosque attacks says DHS is offering support to local law enforcement to make sure Muslim-Americans feel safe today pic.twitter.com/vN3otb20ZD
— Tal Kopan (@TalKopan) March 15, 2019
2:22 PM — The Daily Beast just got busted pushing fake news:
Daily Beast editor @csdickey, named as a contributor to the piece, apparently also missed the fact that the entire premise of this article was a falsehood.
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) March 15, 2019
2:16 PM — New York Times’ Wajahat Ali admits to spreading false information about President Donald and Breitbart News:
Breitbart is upset w/ me b/c I misspoke & said Trump tweeted a Breitbart article last night when it was a link to the front page. My bad. Breitbart is always so factual and honest. I also said they promote anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and anti-Black sentiment…because they do.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) March 15, 2019
2:15 PM — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued a statement on the New Zealand mosque shootings:
NEW: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell: “We stand with the New Zealand Muslim community…in their hour of grief, and pray that all faith communities sustain each other on the healing road ahead.” https://t.co/8cRyKeQFu3 pic.twitter.com/cfd1rTkr0X
— ABC News (@ABC) March 15, 2019
1:34 PM — ICYMI:
An eye witness' cellphone video shows police activity near the scene of 1 of the #ChristchurchShootings in New Zealand #Christchurch #ChristchurchMosqueAttack pic.twitter.com/8FPsKaehq6
— TicToc by Bloomberg (@tictoc) March 15, 2019
12:47 PM — A must-listen:
This hero decided to turn his car around when he realised that lives were at risk amidst the mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Carl Pomare was amongst the first on the scene to comfort those involved.#NewZealandShooting | #Christchurch pic.twitter.com/jSWFWeEIkT
— Channel 5 News (@5_News) March 15, 2019
12:41 PM — USA Today’s David Jackson busted spreading fake news about Breitbart News and President Donald Trump.
.@USAToday Corrects Fake News That Trump Tweeted Breitbart Interview After New Zealand Shooting | Breitbart https://t.co/iT2mSOpnMc via @BreitbartNews
— Joel B. Pollak (@joelpollak) March 15, 2019
12:14 PM — First lady Melania Trump offers condolences following the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand:
My deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the horrific shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. We pray & grieve with you and stand against all of the hatred.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) March 15, 2019
12:05 PM — White House official Mercedes Schlapp comments on President Donald Trump’s mention in the suspected Christchurch mosque gunman’s manifesto:
White House spokeswoman @mercedesschlapp on Trump mention in Christchurch manifesto: "It's outrageous just to even make that connection between this deranged individual that committed this evil crime to the President who has repeatedly condemned bigotry, hatred and extremism"
— Philip Crowther (@PhilipinDC) March 15, 2019
11:59 AM — Former Vice President Joe Biden on New Zealand shooting: “We cannot stand by as mosques are turned into murder scenes.”
Whether it is antisemitism in Pittsburgh, racism in Charlottesville, or the xenophobia and Islamophobia today in Christchurch, violent hate is on the march at home and abroad. We cannot stand by as mosques are turned into murder scenes.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) March 15, 2019
On behalf of Jill, myself, and all of the Bidens, our hearts go out to the community in Christchurch suffering from today’s senseless violence. Friday prayers for those who were gathered at their mosques has seen families torn apart by hate.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) March 15, 2019
11:52 AM — ICYMI:
The heroes of #Christchurch . 66 years old Jill helped save a life, has never seen anything like this in New Zealand. Powerful video: pic.twitter.com/lGGuZ6OxAt
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) March 15, 2019
11:34 AM — Suspected New Zealand mosque gunman Brenton Tarrant was raised in the small town of Grafton, Australia, was a personal trainer, and previously traveled to exotic countries, according to the Daily Mail.
Now details of his background are emerging, including his upbringing in the rural New South Wales town of Grafton which he left shortly after his father Rodney died of cancer when Brenton was in his early 20s. […]
Tarrant claimed in a so-called ‘manifesto’ to have made money trading Bitcoin, enabling him to travel the world. He also spoke of visiting a wide range of countries including Pakistan, and a photograph showed him on a tourist trip to North Korea. […]
One woman who knew Tarrant before he left Grafton said he worked as a personal trainer who was obsessed with fitness but seemed like a well-adjusted young man.
11:21 AM — (AP) — Pakistan’s foreign ministry says four Pakistanis were wounded in mass shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal tweeted that five other Pakistani citizens are missing after Friday’s attacks. He said Pakistani diplomats in New Zealand are in contact with local authorities.
Separately, the ministry said Pakistan views the attacks as an “assault on the values of freedom of conscience and association common to all mankind.”
It asked New Zealand to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of the Muslim community.
11:21 AM — Attorney General William Barr issues a statement on the New Zealand mosque mass shootings:
NEW: Attorney General William Barr on New Zealand mosque mass shooting: "Today's attack in New Zealand is a sobering reminder that the threat of political and religious violence is real and that we must remain vigilant against it." https://t.co/6Bdg9VWncs pic.twitter.com/v3TboXPU9J
— ABC News (@ABC) March 15, 2019
10:57 AM — (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says at least three Turkish citizens were injured in attacks on Muslim worshippers in New Zealand and that he has spoken to one of them. Addressing an election rally on Friday, Erdogan described a suspect in the attacks as “impertinent, immoral, vile and scum” and said he had chosen innocent worshippers as an easy target.
He told the crowd: “As Muslims, we will never bow our heads, but we will never fall to the level of these vile people.”
New Zealand authorities have arrested and charged a man with murder in what appeared to be a carefully planned racist attack. At least 49 people died. Dozens of demonstrators protested the shootings after Friday prayers in Istanbul.
10:41 AM — ICYMI:
"I'm really speechless."
Eyewitness accounts detail the devastating moments during and after the mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which at least 49 people were killed and dozens more injured. https://t.co/BWeYLnUCqe pic.twitter.com/oqVzfnwRwo
— ABC News (@ABC) March 15, 2019
10:24 AM — New Zealand synagogues will be closed on Shabbat (Friday sundown to Saturday nightfall) for the first time in the country’s history following the deadly Christchurch mosque shootings.
“For the first time in history synagogues in NZ are closed on Shabbat following the shocking massacre of Muslims in Christchurch. The Jewish Agency and the NZ Jewish Council stand in solidarity with the bereaved families.” #ChristchurchAttack https://t.co/q4wrA13hqa
— Caryn Lieberman (@caryn_lieberman) March 15, 2019
10:20 AM — Breitbart News’ Allum Bokhari breaks down the suspected Christchurch mosque shooter’s manifesto.
The shooter explained exactly what racial, cultural, and political pressure points he hoped to exploit in order to bring about a civil war.
Read, understand, and stop doing what he wants (like blaming @pewdiepie & @RealCandaceO). https://t.co/NoWFGDL4R0
— Allum Bokhari (@LibertarianBlue) March 15, 2019
10:11 AM — White House press secretary Sarah Sanders issues a statement on the New Zealand mosque shootings:
“The United States strongly condemns the attack in Christchurch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with the people of New Zealand and their government against this vicious act of hate.”
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) March 15, 2019
9:51 AM — NYPD says there are no credible threats to the Muslim community of New York City.
Our thoughts, prayers & deepest condolences to the victims & families from New Zealand’s Christchurch community. Although there is no nexus or credible threats to NYC, we are providing Police resources to the Muslim Community and all worshippers to ensure you are safe & feel safe pic.twitter.com/q7gTK0cGz0
— NYPD Queens South (@NYPDQueensSouth) March 15, 2019
9:19 AM — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo offers condolences following the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand:
.@SecPompeo: I offer my personal condolences to the nation of New Zealand in the wake of the grotesque mosques attacks in Christchurch. The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the victims and their families. pic.twitter.com/vcJCxAqwEc
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 15, 2019
8:30 AM — (AP) — Bangladesh’s honorary consul in Auckland, New Zealand, says three Bangladeshis were killed in Friday’s mosque attacks in Christchurch and at least four others were injured. Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan says “so far” three Bangladeshis are among the 49 people killed in the shootings. He said two of the injured Bangladeshis are in critical condition.
He says one person’s leg had to be amputated and another has gunshot wounds to his chest. New Zealand health authorities say a total of 48 people are being treated at Christchurch Hospital for gunshot wounds.
8:00 AM — (AP) — Facebook says it has taken down a video of shootings at a New Zealand mosque and removed the alleged shooter’s accounts from its platforms after being alerted by police. The man who allegedly carried out the shootings in Christchurch on Friday reportedly broadcast 17 minutes of the attack on a Facebook livestream.
Facebook New Zealand spokeswoman Mia Garlick said in a statement that the company is “also removing any praise or support for the crime and the shooter or shooters as soon as we’re aware.”
She said the company “will continue working directly with New Zealand Police as their response and investigation continues.”
7:55 AM — President Donald Trump offers condolences following the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand:
My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019
6:00 AM — (AP) — National carrier Air New Zealand has canceled at least 17 flights in and out of Christchurch, saying it couldn’t screen customers and their baggage following deadly shootings at two mosques. The airline said some smaller planes traveling on regional routes were canceled while larger jet planes would continue landing and taking off due to security screening processes already in place.
Typically, passengers on smaller turboprop aircraft traveling to or from Christchurch don’t go through security screening and are able to walk right onto the plane. Air New Zealand said the safety of its customers and employees was paramount and apologized for the inconvenience.
Police say at least 49 people were killed in the shootings during Friday prayers at the mosques.
4:40 AM — Death toll rises to 49 as more wounded treated in local hospitals and a man is charged with murder.
Latest: Man charged with murder after 49 die in Christchurch mosque massacre: https://t.co/8iL5vQaVuQ pic.twitter.com/LNNjOcc2iG
— Herald Sun (@theheraldsun) March 15, 2019
3:51 AM — Two backpacks which were left unattended near Britomart Train Station in Auckland blown up by the NZ Defence Force.
Two explosions have just gone off at Britomart
— Greater Auckland (@GreaterAKL) March 15, 2019
2:48 AM — Canterbury District Health Board CEO says 48 patients with gunshot wounds are being treated at Christchurch Hospital after two shootings at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
LATEST: 48 patients with gunshot wounds are being treated at Christchurch Hospital after coordinated terrorist shootings in New Zealand, Chief Executive of Canterbury District Health Board says. https://t.co/TZIwvltiXa pic.twitter.com/QPOUOQow5X
— ABC News (@ABC) March 15, 2019
2:36 AM — New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern says two “explosives” were “attached to the suspects’ cars,” suggesting there was a “degree of planning” regarding the two mosque shootings in Christchurch. The four suspects were not on a terror-watch list prior to the shootings.
2:34 AM — New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern says 40 people are dead in two mosque shootings in Christchurch. 10 people died at the Linwood Avenue mosque, while 30 died at the Deans Avenue mosque.
JUST IN: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says 40 people are dead and more than 20 are seriously injured after two shootings at mosques in the country. https://t.co/3j6nibpVT7 pic.twitter.com/7zEpixtG3S
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 15, 2019
2:05 AM — NYPD and LAPD are boosting security at mosques in New York City and Los Angeles following shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, according to CBS News.
2:01 AM — Australian prime minister Scott Morrison confirms suspected Christchurch mosque shooter is an Australian-born citizen.
Australian PM describes New Zealand mosque shootings as having been perpetrated by an “extremist, rightwing, violent terrorist, that has taken the lives – stolen the lives – in a vicious, murderous attack that has claimed so many New Zealanders.” https://t.co/hCO7hdFFDQ pic.twitter.com/36N2NXdEB3
— ABC News (@ABC) March 15, 2019
1:45 AM — (AP) — Indonesia’s foreign minister says six Indonesians were at the Al Noor Mosque in New Zealand when a shooting occurred and three of them escaped. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said, “We are looking for three other Indonesian citizens.”
Police have described multiple fatalities in shootings at two mosques in the city of Christchurch and say four people are in custody. The Indonesian Embassy in Wellington sent a team to Christchurch that is coordinating with New Zealand officials.
The foreign ministry says there are 330 Indonesian citizens in Christchurch, 130 of them students. It said it strongly condemns the attack. “The government and the people of Indonesia convey deep condolences to the victims and their families.”
1:26 AM — (AP) — New Zealand police say they’re not aware of other suspects beyond the four who have been arrested after two mosque shootings but they can’t be certain.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush did not elaborate on the suspects who are in custody.
The shootings occurred at two mosques in the Christchurch area during Friday afternoon prayers.
A witness described multiple deaths at the Masjid Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch. A witness who heard about five gunshots at the suburban Linwood Masjid Mosque said two wounded people were carried out on stretchers.
1:07 AM —
Eyewitnesses have described the moment gunfire broke out at a mosque in Christchurch. pic.twitter.com/vpX4K3L6Km
— SBS News (@SBSNews) March 15, 2019
12:58 AM — New Zealand police say school lockdowns in Christchurch are now lifted, children and staff are free to leave.
New Zealand police confirm school lockdowns in Christchurch have been lifted. pic.twitter.com/cK0WylquIh
— Brandon Wall (@Walldo) March 15, 2019
12:47 AM — Four people are now in custody in connection to the Christchurch mosque shootings, say New Zealand Police. Three are men and one is a woman. IEDs were found on vehicles. Their ownership is unclear. Police say they are not assuming the shootings are isolated to Christchurch and asked people not assume that they are not in further danger.
Christchurch Mass Shooting: "There were a number of IED's attached to vehicles that we also stopped" – @nzpolice Commissioner Mike Bush. Live coverage on @Channel7 & @7plus. https://t.co/3VoL7ZBx9g #Christchurch #7News pic.twitter.com/EldAW5LvPC
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) March 15, 2019
12:28 AM — The Herald Sun reports 28-year-old Australian man Brenton Tarrant has been confirmed as one of the Christchurch shooters.
12:24 AM — A Muslim man chased after the suspected shooters and fired two shots at them as they sped off from the second mosque shooting in Linwood, according to the New Zealand Herald.
12:15 AM — San Francisco Police say extra officers are being dispatched to mosques in the city after two mosque shootings in New Zealand.
#BREAKING: San Francisco Police say extra patrols at mosques in city following terrorism incident in New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/NYTl59S3nj
— California Brief (@CaliforniaBrief) March 15, 2019
12:06 AM — Police tell reporters a second gunman may still be on the loose following shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, reports ABC News.
12:04 AM — The alleged New Zealand Mosque attacker appears to have used a semi-automatic long gun. Caliber is not clear. The legal acquisition of such a gun involves numerous hurdles, including licensing and background checks.”
11:55 PM — (AP) — Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says following fatal shootings at two mosques in Christchurch it is “one of New Zealand’s darkest days.
New Zealand PM Ardern: "Many of those who will have been directly affected by the shooting may be migrants to New Zealand…they have chosen to make New Zealand their home and it is their home. They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not." pic.twitter.com/R13wr38epR
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 15, 2019
Police said there were multiple fatalities and one person was in custody, but no details were immediately available. Ardern said at a Friday afternoon news conference, “what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence.” She said while many people affected may be migrants or refugees “they have chosen to make New Zealand their home and it is their home. They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not.”
11:35 PM — New Zealand police commissioner Mike Bush says there are “multiple fatalities” at two mosques in Christchurch. One individual in custody, “but we are unsure if there are other people.”
BREAKING: New Zealand police report “multiple fatalities” at two mosques in the Christchurch-Canterbury area. One person in custody, “but we are unsure if there are other people.” https://t.co/Q5tllLeEAW pic.twitter.com/CXN5qEj7wN
— ABC News (@ABC) March 15, 2019
11:33 PM — New Zealand prime minister issues a statement on the shooting:
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.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) March 15, 2019
The person who has committed this violent act has no place here. To those in Christchurch; I encourage you to stay inside and follow the instructions of @nzpolice. The Police Commissioner will be making a public statement at 5pm. I will update everyone again later this evening.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) March 15, 2019
11:30 PM — A second mosque shooting is now being reported in Christchurch, via the Associated Press: “New Zealand media say a shooting has occurred in a second mosque in the city of Christchurch.
“No details were immediately available.”
The first mosque has been identified as the Masjid Al Noor.
The number of wounded has risen to 50 and one man is reported to be in custody.
11:15 PM — A video posted online shows the gunman, who appears to be a white man in his thirties, driving into an alley near the first mosque and retrieving several rifles in succession from the trunk of his car, along with several extra clips of ammunition. Each of the rifles is scrawled with white writing.
In the footage, which Breitbart News will not post, the gunman approaches the door of the mosque and shoots the people standing there. He then enters the mosque and shoots people in the hallway and in the prayer area. As people duck for cover and try to escape, or huddle together for protection, he shoots them repeatedly. He then returns to his car, retrieves another rifle, and returns, shooting into the pile of bodies and then leaving. He also fires down the street; as he drives away, he is seen firing shots from the car, though the targets are unclear.
A Twitter profile under the name “Brenton Tarrant” posted a manifesto, as well as several close-up shots of what appear to be the rifles used in the attack, where the white writing is more legible. It appears to contain anti-migrant statements. The manifesto itself is an ideological hodgepodge, from socialism to white supremacy to environmentalism. He identifies himself as a fascist and talks about a racial war in the U.S.
New Zealand has restrictive gun laws, of the sort proposed by gun control advocates in the United States.
As one American who emigrated to New Zealand, and who favors gun control, wrote in a 2012 article:
Purchase or import of military style semi-automatics and all handguns must be individually approved by, and registered with, the New Zealand police.
Without a valid and current firearms license, you cannot legally purchase any firearm other than a pellet gun anywhere in New Zealand. There is probably a black market or some other means of acquiring a firearm illegally, but firearms recovered from drug busts or other organised criminal activities typically amount to hunting rifles or pump action shot guns. Handguns and military style semi-automatics are rare, difficult to obtain, and very expensive.
So how do Kiwis go about getting their hands on guns?
The process for obtaining a basic firearms license is long, complicated and expensive. In other words, designed to weed out a broad portion of the population that the law deems unsuitable to possess a firearm.
The Associated Press and Breitbart News’ Simon Kent contributed to this report.
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