Over 40 people have been killed in two New Zealand mosques, a
mass shooting which Prime Minister Jacinda Arden termed as terrorism. More than
20 people were injured in the Friday attack.
According to the police, 41 people were murdered at Al Noor
mosque, seven at a mosque in Linwood and one victim died in hospital.
One gunmen live streamed the shooting in one mosque in
Christchurch City on Facebook after posting text targeted at immigrants calling
them “invaders”. The video showed the gunman driving to one mosque, entering
and started shooting people randomly. The footage has been taken down to prevent
more people from sharing it.
Adern said that the four people in custody held extremist
views but had not been on any police watch list. The prime minister added that,
“It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack.”
One male witness at the Al Noor mosque told the press the
gunman was white, blond and wearing a helmet and bulletproof vest. He burst
into the mosque shooting worshippers.
“He had a big gun…he came and started shooting everyone in
the mosque,” said Ahmad Al-Mahmoud. He and others escaped by breaking a glass
door.
The incident has scared New Zealand residents considering the
country is known for its tolerance towards immigrants.
Adern added, ” We are chosen for the very fact we are
none of these things, because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a
home for those who share our values, refuge for those who need it… And those
values, I assure you, will not and cannot be shaken by this attack.”
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