Multiple fatalities as gunman targets New Zealand mosques
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that at least 49 people have been killed and more than 20 seriously wounded in the attacks
Christchurch — Attacks on two Christchurch mosques left at least 49 dead on Friday, with one gunman — identified as an Australian extremist — apparently live-streaming the assault that triggered the lockdown of the New Zealand city. In what appears to be the worst attack against Muslims in a western country, witnesses spoke of victims being shot at close range, with women and children believed to be among those killed. The mosques were packed with worshippers gathering for Friday afternoon prayers, and members of the Bangladesh cricket team were arriving when the shooter opened fire. “It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, adding it marked “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. “From what we know, it does appear to have been well planned,” she said, adding that in addition to the dead another 20 people were seriously injured. The gunman at one mosque was an Australian-born citizen, Australian Prime Minister Scott Mor...
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