CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Multiple people were killed in mass shootings at two mosques full of people attending Friday prayers, as New Zealand police warned people to stay indoors as they tried to determine if more than one gunman was involved. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described it as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days” and said the events in the city of Christchurch represented “an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence.” One person was taken into custody but it was unclear if there were other people involved, Police Commissioner Mike Bush said. He said anybody who was thinking of going to a mosque anywhere in New Zealand on Friday should stay put. Authorities have not said who they have in custody. But a man who claimed responsibility for the shootings left a 74-page anti-immigrant manifesto in which he explained who he was and his reasoning for his actions. He said he considered it a terrorist attack. Ardern at her news conference alluded to anti-immigrant sentiment as the possible motive, saying that while many people affected by the shootings 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.” Authorities have not yet said how many people were killed and wounded. “It’s a very serious and grave situation,” Bush said. The deadliest shooting occurred at the Masjid Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch at about 1:45 p.m. Witness Len Peneha said he saw a man dressed in black enter the mosque and then heard dozens of shots, followed by people running from the mosque in terror. Peneha, who lives next door to the mosque, said the gunman ran out of the mosque, dropped what appeared to be a semi-automatic weapon in his driveway, and fled. Peneha said he then went into the mosque to try and help. “I saw dead people everywhere. There were three in the hallway, at the door leading into the mosque, and people inside the mosque,” he said. “It’s unbelievable nutty. I don’t understand how anyone could do this to these people, to anyone. It’s ridiculous.” He said he helped about five people recover in his home. He said one was slightly injured. “I’ve lived next door to this mosque for about five years and the people are great, they’re very friendly,” he said. “I just don’t understand it.” He said the gunman was white and was wearing a helmet with some kind of device on top, giving him a military-type appearance. Police said there was a second shooting at the Linwood Masjid Mosque. Mark Nichols told the New Zealand Herald he heard about five gunshots and that a Friday prayer-goer returned fire with a rifle or shotgun. Nichols said he saw two injured people being carried out on stretchers past his automotive shop and that both people appeared to be alive. The man who claimed responsibility for the shooting said he was 28-year-old white Australian who came to New Zealand only to plan and train for the attack. He said he was not a member of any organization, but had donated to and interacted with many nationalist groups, though he acted alone and no group ordered the attack. He said the mosques in Christchurch and Linwood would be the targets, as would a third mosque in the town of Ashburton if he could make it there. He said he chose New Zealand because of its location, to show that even the most remote parts of the world were not free of “mass immigration.” Mass shootings in New Zealand are exceedingly rare. The deadliest in modern history occurred in the small town of Aramoana in 1990, when gunman David Gray shot and killed 13 people following a dispute with a neighbor.<doc-sep>At least 50 people were killed and dozens were injured in shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday, authorities said. Here is what we know about the shooting, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called a "terrorist attack". What we know about the circumstances of the attack Video footage widely circulated on social media, apparently taken by a gunman and posted online live as the attack unfolded, showed him driving to one mosque as music played in his vehicle. After parking, he took two guns and walked a short distance to the entrance of the mosque. The gunman then opened fire. Over the course of five minutes, he repeatedly shoots worshippers, leaving well over a dozen bodies in one room alone. He returned to the car during that period to change guns and went back to the mosque to shoot anyone showing signs of life. Two of the injured, including a four-year-old child, are in a critical condition, Bush said. Radio New Zealand quoted a witness inside the mosque saying he heard shots fired and at least four people were lying on the ground and "there was blood everywhere". What we know about the suspects A 28-year-old Australian suspect, identified as Brenton Harrison Tarrant, appeared in Christchurch district court on Saturday at 11:00 am local time. Tarrant has been charged with murder and was remanded without plea. He will return to court on April 5. New Zealand Police wrote on Twitter: "While the man is currently facing only one charge, further charges will be laid." Two others are currently in custody. The charged suspect held extremist views but had not been on any police watchlists, the Prime Minister said. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that an Australian citizen with far-right extremist views was among those taken into custody. An Australian man is believed to have published an online manifesto, shortly before the video was streamed. The document was linked to three social media accounts belonging to Brenton Tarrant, according to Storyful. The writer of the manifesto says he is 28 and Australian. The document, stretching to more than 16,000 words, rails against immigration and cites a list of events from various periods of history which inspired his self-acknowledged terrorist attack. He also says that he decided to commit the murders following a trip to Europe in 2017 when he saw Emmanuel Macron triumph over his far-right opponent Marine Le Pen in the French presidential election and saw people he believed were immigrants living in France. He denied that he was acting on behalf of any groups. Police searched a property in the southern city of Dunedin in connexion with the shootings investigation. Evacuations of properties in the immediate area have taken place as a precaution. The two other people initially detained with the attacker have been released, according to Bush. No further threats were reported since responding to this incident, police said. Shooting at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand 1 2 REUTERS/SNPA/Martin Hunter 1 2 1 2 1 2 REUTERS/SNPA/Martin Hunter 1 2 REUTERS/SNPA/Martin Hunter 1 2 REUTERS/SNPA/Martin Hunter 1 2 1 2 1 2 REUTERS/SNPA/Martin Hunter What we know about the victims New Zealand's prime minister said many of those caught up in the shootings may have been migrants and refugees. Hospitals said children were among the victims. The Indonesian foreign minister was cited by media as saying six Indonesians had been inside the mosque when the attack occurred, with three managing to escape and three unaccounted for. The consul of Bangladesh in Auckland said three Bangladesh citizens were killed and four injured. Afghanistan's ambassador to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Wahidullah Waissi, said on Twitter three Afghans had been wounded. Two Malaysians were also wounded in the attack, its foreign ministry said. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam said it was "extremely lucky" the country's cricket team did not suffer casualties. The team, in the city to play a match against the New Zealand national team, arrived for Friday prayers as the shooting occurred. "I can't even imagine what would have happened if they were there five minutes earlier," he said on social media. Reactions in New Zealand and abroad "They are us," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said of the victims. "The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand," she said as she condemned the attack. The country has been placed on the highest level of security alert. All mosques in New Zealand had been asked to shut their doors, police said. "I condemn the violent, extremist, right-wing terrorist attack that has stolen the lives of so many innocent New Zealanders as they went about their peaceful practice of worship at their mosques in Christchurch today," the Australian Prime Minister tweeted. British counter-terrorism officials said they were ready to help their counterparts in New Zealand to investigate the shootings. Meanwhile, the UK and France are stepping up security near religious sites following the attack. The United States presidency called the deadly attack at two New Zealand mosques during Friday prayers a "vicious act of hate." "All our thoughts go to the victims of the heinous crimes committed against the mosques of Christchurch in New Zealand and for their loved ones," tweeted French President Emmanuel Macron. Political and Islamic leaders across Asia and the Middle East expressed their disgust at the deadly shooting. "Indonesia strongly condemns this shooting act, especially at a place of worship while a Friday prayer was ongoing," Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in a statement. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman condemned what he called a "racist and fascist" attack. "This attack shows the point which hostility to Islam and enmity to Muslims has reached," Ibrahim Kalin wrote on Twitter. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal condemned the incident on social media, using the hashtag #pakistanagainstterror. Ordinary people expressed their horror online about the widely circulated video of the shooting. "Feeling very sick, that person is brainless and a savage," said one Indonesian twitter user who identified himself as Farhan Adhitama.<doc-sep>After 50 people were gunned down in terrorist attacks at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday, the prime minister is vowing to change gun laws. At least one gunman carried out what is now the deadliest shooting in New Zealand history. Forty-two others were injured, including two critically, in what became "one of New Zealand's darkest days," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. Ardern said Saturday, "While the nation grapples with a form of grief and anger that we have not experienced before, we are seeking answers." She vowed that “while work is being done as to the chain of events that led to both the holding of this gun license and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now: Our gun laws will change.” A gunman appeared to have livestreamed video of the shooting on social media, according to New Zealand police. He documented his trip from his car and into the worship center in central Christchurch, where he opened fire indiscriminately, police said. Officials said they were working to remove "extremely distressing footage" taken at the scene and urged social media users not to share it. Meanwhile, Sky Network Television -- New Zealand’s largest satellite television provider -- announced late Friday that it was removing Sky News Australia from its platform after the broadcaster apparently aired video of the attack. “We stand in support of our fellow New Zealanders and have made the decision to remove Sky News Australia from our platform until we are confident that the distressing footage from yesterday’s events will not be shared,” Sky Network officials said in a tweet. Three in custody Three people are in custody, including one Australian citizen. Brenton Tarrant, 28, was charged with murder and appeared in court Saturday, officials said. Authorities also said that the murder suspect will be facing more charges. “While the man is currently facing only one charge, further charges will be laid," New Zealand police officials tweeted from the department's verified account. "Details of those charges will be communicated at the earliest possible opportunity.” Five guns were used by the main suspect, including two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns, the prime minister said at a news conference Saturday. The suspect had a gun license, she added. Police have not said if the same gunman shot at both mosques. “None of those apprehended had a criminal history either here or in Australia," and none were on any watch lists, Ardern said. Late Friday night, New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters that authorities are still "working through" the accounts of two additional people who were arrested as part of the investigation. “As you know we apprehended four people ... one was released quite early, a member of the public who just wanted to get their kids home but decided to take a firearm," Bush said. "There was another couple arrested at a cordon and we are currently working through whether or not those persons had any involvement in that incident. So when we know, we’ll be able to give you… but I don’t want to say anything until we’re sure.” Bush said that local authorities responded "immediately" to the reports of gunfire, and that within 36 minutes of the first shot being fired, the primary suspect was taken into custody. “That person was not willing to be arrested, I think you’ve probably seen some of that live video, there was live audio coming back to my command center in Wellington, of that apprehension and I can tell you as I was listening to that –- that person was non-compliant," Bush said. "We also believe that there were IEDs in that vehicle so it was a very dangerous maneuver," he said, referring to improvised explosive devices. "There were also firearms in that vehicle, so our staff, who were well-equipped, did engage with that person, and again put themselves in real danger to keep the community safe.” Bush vowed that local authorities "will be highly vigilant [and] highly present, to ensure that if there is anyone out here wanting to commit harm we can intervene.” Earlier, Bush said that the island nation is “dedicating all available resources to our response, not only in Christchurch but right across the country.” “This attack has been an enormous shock for all New Zealanders, and I am aware that there is a real sense of fear and concern for personal safety, particularly among our Muslim communities,” Bush said in a statement. He said that there is a heightened police presence nationwide, particularly at mosques and community events, and urged residents to immediately report anything suspicious to local authorities. Hospital overwhelmed Four of the 50 people killed in the massacre died on the way to the hospital, said Greg Robertson, chief of surgery at Christchurch Hospital. “It's unusual for surgeons in this part of the world to deal with gunshot wounds,” Robertson told reporters. “We've had experience overseas dealing with trauma. We also get experience in our own environment for a limited number of these events. But clearly we don't face the extreme load this incident put on us.” The surgeon went on to tell reporters on Friday night that 36 patients remained hospitalized at the Christchurch facility – 11 of them in the intensive care unit. He said the severity of injuries range from soft tissue injuries to head trauma. A 4-year-old girl wounded in the attack had to be transferred to another hospital in critical condition. 'Shattered innocence' Witnesses said the attack occurred just before 1:40 p.m. local time as the Sheikh gave a sermon in Christchurch. "He just came in and he was shooting ad hoc," Ramzan Ali told The Associated Press. Ali said he survived by hiding beneath a bench. "I haven't seen him because I just lied down under the bench, thinking that if I get out, I'll get shot," he said. "I'm just keeping my fingers crossed so I could be alive." He added: "I was the last guy to come out of the mosque after the shooting stopped and on the doors there were a lot of bodies."<doc-sep>Reuters Videos Eight people were killed Wednesday when a transit employee opened fire at a light rail yard in San Jose, California, the latest in what has become an all too common occurrence in the U.S.All eight were employees of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, or VTA.“This is a very dark moment for our city…”At a news conference, Mayor Sam Liccardo hailed these essential workers for helping the city get through the pandemic.“They were showing up every day to operate light rail and buses to ensure people could still continue to go about their lives, and they had all of the challenges of the pandemic, and they were taking risks with their own lives in doing so.”The gunman – a fellow VTA employee – took his own life, apparently when he became aware that police were closing in on him. Local media outlets identified him as 57-year-old Samuel Cassidy, a maintenance worker.The shooting took place just before 7 a.m. Pacific time. VTA chairman Glenn Hendricks said it occurred in the maintenance yard.“It’s just very difficult for everyone to be able to wrap their heads around and understand what has happened.”Officials said a bomb squad was searching the yard after "at least one" explosive device was found. Authorities also responded to a fire at the home of the suspect that erupted at about the same time as the shooting.The FBI is assisting in the investigation, and the White House is monitoring the situation.San Jose lies at the heart of Silicon Valley, home to some of America's biggest tech companies. "What the hell is going on in the United States of America? What the hell is wrong with us? "California Governor Gavin Newsom was visibly angry as he urged politicians from both parties to move beyond the usual platitudes that follow gun violence and finally take action. "It's time to deal with the endemic, before this pandemic, of gun violence. The pre-existing condition that somehow we sort of pushed aside last year but now has raised its ugly head again this year. And wake up to this reality and take a little damn responsibility, all of us, to do a little bit more and a little bit better this time.” Mass gun violence has escalated considerably as the U.S. emerged from the worst of the pandemic this spring.<doc-sep>
Four people were taken into custody following the deadly shooting Multiple people have been killed following a shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand NEW ZEALAND (NEWS 1130) – At least 49 people have been killed following a shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. “We have undoubtedly experienced an attack today that is unprecedented,” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. “Unlike anything that we have experienced before.” The prime minister confirmed four people were taken into custody but said three were connected to the attack. She said one of the suspects has publicly stated to be Australian born. Police say one of the suspects arrested is a man in his 20s who has been “charged with murder.” “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,” Ardern added. “You may have chosen us, but we utterly reject and condemn you,” the prime minister said. New Zealand’s national security level has been lifted from low to high. “We are dealing with a very serious and tragic series of events in the Christchurch area,” said Commissioner Mike Bush with NZ Police. “They involve multiple fatalities.” Bush said police also stopped two improvised explosive devices found in different vehicles. Bush also confirmed that a hospital was a target but no other details were provided. “There were a number of IEDs attached to vehicles that we also stopped,” Bush added. “They’ve been made safe by the defence force but that does go to the seriousness of this situation.” “Let’s not presume that the danger is gone,” he added. Bush he said the motive is still unknown, “we are still looking at the circumstances that surround that. It doesn’t get any more serious in this country.” A facility where people can get more information about their loved ones was put up by police, Bush said. “Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high,” police tweeted. 2/5 however we can confirm there have been a number of fatalities. Police is currently at a number of scenes. We understand that there will be many anxious people but I can assure New Zealanders that Police is doing all it can to resolve this incident. — New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019 Officers asked people to stay away from the area and to remain indoors until further notice. A live stream of the incident apparently taken by a shooter surfaced online; police have confirmed its authenticity and are asking people to stop circulating the “extremely distressing footage.” “We would strongly urge that the link not be shared. We are working to have any footage removed,” police tweeted. The same person is believed to have shared a manifesto online before the shooting. Schools also remained in lockdown for multiple hours. “It is clear that this is one of New Zealand’s darkest days,” said Ardern earlier in the day, calling it an act of “unprecedented violence” that has no place in New Zealand. 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 “We were not a target because we are a safe harbour for those who hate, we were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism… we were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things,” Ardern added. Witness Len Peneha told the Associated Press he saw a man dressed in black enter the Masjid Al Noor mosque and then heard dozens of shots, followed by people running from the mosque in terror. “I saw dead people everywhere,” Peneha told the Associated Press. He says he also saw the gunman flee before emergency services arrived. “We urge New Zealanders to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour,” police tweeted. They also ask all mosques nationally to shut their doors and to refrain from visiting these premises until further notice. Members of the Bangladesh cricket team were reportedly on their way to one of the mosques when the shooting broke out. Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal said the team “got saved from active shooters,” calling it a frightening experience on Twitter.