Celebrities react to horrific Christchurch killings

As New Zealand reels from the horrific terrorist attack that has left at least 49 people dead, celebrities around the world have shared their heartbreaking reactions to the tragedy.

As New Zealand reels from the horrific terrorist attack that has left at least 49 people dead and 48 people injured, celebrities around the world have shared their sentiments and reactions to the shocking tragedy.

The massacre took place as Muslims gathered for Friday afternoon prayer, while suspected killer Brenton Tarrant opened fire in both Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch city’s centre and Masjid mosque in the suburb of Linwood.

He was heavily armed and fitted two improvised explosive devices to his vehicle, which the military later diffused.

Allegeded Christchurch Shooter Brenton Tarrant. Picture: Supplied

Two other people have been arrested, described as the terrorist’s “associates”, while a third who was earlier apprehended is not connected to the attacks.

New Zealand-born Oscar winner Russell Crowe was one of the first celebrities to tweet, joining his countrymen in mourning after the shootings occurred at two mosques.

40 dead in NZ.
Senseless, pointless, cruel deaths.
My heart breaks for all the families involved, and for the beautiful people of New Zealand to whose hearts this pain will attach, for a long time.
Kia Kaha.

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 15, 2019

The Gladiator star, who spent his youth in Wellington, ended his tweet with the Maori expression "Kia Kaha," meaning "stay strong."

Russell Crowe spent his younger years in Wellington. Picture: WireImage

Schwarzenegger, who has starred in multiple violent films himself, expressed his condolences. Picture: AFP

Terminator star and former governor of California Arnold Schwarznegger expressed his condolences and support to the victims, saying “the world stands with you”.

My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the people of New Zealand. This is a horrific act of terror but please know that the world stands with you. I stand with you.

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 15, 2019

Actors Alyssa Milano, Nia Vardalos and Debra Messing also shared their sadness of the attack with their followers.

No. I’m broken from this.#NZMosqueShooting

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 15, 2019

Christchurch. New Zealand. Muslims worldwide. Much love to you. ❤️

— Nia Vardalos (@NiaVardalos) March 15, 2019

To the Muslim community— my heart is broken by the horror & loss in New Zealand. We are with you, we see you, and we will fight white supremacy and islamaphobia until we are all free of fear. #ChristchurchMosque

— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) March 15, 2019

Avengers star Mark Ruffalo added his sympathies while singer John Legend urged his followers to unite against “this white supremacist terrorist movement.”

More heartbreaking and enraging news, my deepest sympathy to those lost in another racist bigoted killing in New Zealand

— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) March 15, 2019

The killings in New Zealand are so horrific and heartbreaking. This white supremacist terrorist movement is so destructive here and abroad. We need to unite against it.

— John Legend (@johnlegend) March 15, 2019

CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, shared a Martin Luther King quote along with his sentiments that he is “devastated” by the shocking massacre.

Devastated by the reports out of New Zealand. The community in Christchurch is in our hearts, as are all affected by this horrific attack. “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” - MLK

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 15, 2019

Apple CEO Tim Cook. Picture: AFP

Artist Cat Stevens, also known as Yusuf Islam, posted a poignant picture of a dove holding a silver fern, a symbol of New Zealand, while Star Trek actor George Takei expressed that “hate knows no boundaries”.

So heart-wrenching to see what has just happened in Christchurch. May God bless the souls who came to the mosque to worship Him in peace. What madness is now spreading? May God's Garden be their next stop. pic.twitter.com/eLLqXbSDfv

— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) March 15, 2019

Horrified by the news of the mass shootings in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Hate knows no boundaries, especially when so heavily armed. Thinking of the shattered lives and communities, where hundreds had gathered for Friday prayers.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) March 15, 2019

Colin Hanks, son of prolific actor Tom Hanks, also added his apologies.

New Zealand. I'm so sorry this has happened.

— Colin Hanks (@ColinHanks) March 15, 2019

The alledged killer will face court in Christchurch this morning.

Originally published as Celebrities react to horrific Christchurch killings