Christchurch massacre: World leaders including Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth react to New Zealand shooting
He was named in killer Brenton Tarrant’s online hate manifesto, but US President Donald Trump still hasn’t addressed the Muslim community directly following the horrific Christchurch massacre.
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US President Donald Trump played down any threat posed by racist white nationalism on Friday after the gunman accused of the New Zealand mosque massacre called the president “a symbol of renewed white identity.”
Trump, whose own previous responses to the movement have drawn scrutiny, expressed sympathy for the victims who died at “places of worship turned into scenes of evil killing.” But he declined to join expressions of mounting concern about white nationalism, saying “I don’t, really” when asked whether he thought it was a rising threat around the world.
“I think it’s a small group of people that have very, very serious problems, I guess,” Trump said. “If you look at what happened in New Zealand, perhaps that’s the case. I don’t know enough about it yet. But it’s certainly a terrible thing.”
Earlier, Trump sent his “warmest sympathy and best wishes” to New Zealand, offering America’s help.
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
Just spoke with Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, regarding the horrific events that have taken place over the past 24 hours. I informed the Prime Minister....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019
....that we stand in solidarity with New Zealand – and that any assistance the U.S.A. can give, we stand by ready to help. We love you New Zealand!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019
The gunman, Australian Brenton Tarrant, revealed that he hoped to spark a “civil war in the US” in his sick 74-page manifesto.
World leaders expressed condolences and condemnation following the deadly attacks on mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, while Muslim leaders said the mass shooting was evidence of a rising tide of violent anti-Islam sentiment.
New Zealand police said at least 49 people were killed on Friday at two mosques in the picturesque South Island city.
More than 20 were seriously wounded in what Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called a “terrorist attack.”
Former US president Barack Obama condemned the attack and “hatred in all its forms”.
Michelle and I send our condolences to the people of New Zealand. We grieve with you and the Muslim community. All of us must stand against hatred in all its forms.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 15, 2019
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attacks as “absolutely appalling” and said they evoked painful memories for Canadians only two years after a similar massacre.
“Attacking people during prayers is absolutely appalling, and Canada strongly condemns today’s shootings in New Zealand,” Trudeau said on Twitter.
“Our thoughts and hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we join New Zealanders and Muslim communities around the world in grieving.”
The flag atop the Canadian parliament was lowered to half-staff in memory of the victims.
ROYALS SEND MESSAGES OF SUPPORT
Queen Elizabeth II, who is New Zealand’s head of state, said in a message to the country she was “deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch” and sent condolences to families and friends of victims.
“Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives,” she said.
The Queen also paid tribute to emergency services and volunteers supporting the injured. “At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders,” she said in her message.
Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, said they were “utterly horrified to hear of the barbaric attacks”.
“It is beyond all belief that so many should have been killed and injured at their place of worship and our most special and heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives,” he said. “This appalling atrocity is an assault on all of us who cherish religious freedom, tolerance, compassion and community. I know that the people of New Zealand will never allow hate and division to triumph over these things they hold dear.”
Prince William and Harry and their wives Catherine and Meghan also released a joint statement.
“We have all been fortunate to spend time in Christchurch and have felt the warm, open-hearted and generous spirit that is core to its remarkable people,” they said. “No person should ever have to fear attending a sacred place of worship.
“This senseless attack is an affront to the people of Christchurch and New Zealand, and the broader Muslim community. It is a horrifying assault on a way of life that embodies decency, community, and friendship,” they said. “We know that from this devastation and deep mourning, the people of New Zealand will unite to show that such evil can never defeat compassion and tolerance.
“We send our thoughts and prayers to everyone in New Zealand today. Kia Kaha.”
A telegram of condolences sent by the Vatican on behalf of Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the injury and loss of life” caused by the “senseless acts of violence” in Christchurch. He assured all New Zealanders, and in particular the Muslim community, of his “heartfelt solidarity.”
MUSLIM LEADERS WARN OF ISLAMOPHOBIA
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the attacks the “latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia.”
Speaking at the funeral of a former minister, Erdogan said the anti-Islam hatred that motivated the attacks “has rapidly started to take over Western communities like a cancer.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan echoed Erdogan.
“I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 where Islam & 1.3bn Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror by a Muslim,” he wrote in a tweet.
The secretary-general of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, Youssef al-Othaimeen, said in a statement that the attack “served as a further warning on the obvious dangers of hate, intolerance, and Islamophobia.”
UK Prime Minister Theresa May shared her “deepest condolences in a tweet.
On behalf of the UK, my deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand after the horrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch. My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) March 15, 2019
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, said the city’s Metropolitan Police force would be visible outside mosques.
“London stands with the people of Christchurch in the face of this horrific terror attack,” he said. “London will always celebrate the diversity that some seek to destroy.” London mosques have been targeted in the past. One man died and several others were injured in 2017 when Darren Osborne drove a van into people leaving evening prayers. Prosecutors say Osborne was motivated by a hatred of Muslims and far- right propaganda he found online.
French president Emmanuel Macron condemned the”odious crimes against the mosques in New Zealand”.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his thoughts were with the victims, families and government of New Zealand after an attack by “fanatics and extremists who want to destroy our societies.”
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker tweeted that he learned of the attack “with horror and profound sadness.” “The European Union will always stand with (hash) New Zealand and against those who heinously want to destroy our societies and our way of life,” he wrote.
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