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Christchurch mosque shooting: 49 killed in terror attack

NZ Police have confirmed 49 people have died, 48 are being treated for gunshot wounds and a man has been charged with murder. WARNING: Graphic images

Adrian McMurray and Debbie Schipp
22 min read
10:30PMMarch 15, 2019.
Updated 10:22AMMarch 22, 2019

Forty-nine people have died, 25 critically injured with three men and a woman in custody following a shooting at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Follow the latest below. WARNING: Graphic images.

10pm: Morrison condemns senator’s remarks

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has condemned remarks by independent Queensland senator Fraser Anning linking the Christchurch terror attacks to Muslim immigration after a row erupted online.

Senator Anning’s comments — a series of tweets posted immediately after the mosque massacre — were howled down on the social media platform, with former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull calling them “contemptible” and conservative British commentator Piers Morgan expressing shock that they had been made by an Australian senator.

Mr Morrison joined the backlash, saying Senator Anning’s views “have no place in Australia, let alone the Australian Parliament.”

9.15pm: Australian Muslims warned

Australian Muslims have been warned to be extra vigilant in the wake of the attacks.

The 49 deaths at two mosques in Christchurch are the horrific consequence of hate, Muslims Australia president Rateb Jneid said.

“This act of terror on innocent worshippers is an atrocity and we grieve with the victims and their families,” Dr Jneid said in a statement.

One shooter has been identified as Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, from Grafton in NSW.

Dr Jneid argues the New Zealand massacre is a product of ever-increasing Islamophobia and marginalisation of Muslims.

He said the atrocity was a reminder to all concerned, including political leaders and media commentators, “of the horrific consequences that an atmosphere of hate and division can lead to”.

He urged all governments to give extra attention to the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment and extremism.

Dr Jneid also encouraged all mosques and places of worship in Australia to be extra vigilant - and for members of the Muslim community to be particularly mindful of their safety in the coming days.

Queensland Police commissioner Ian Stewart said people should be alert to their surroundings without being alarmed.

- AAP

8.40pm: Impact felt around the world

The deaths of 49 New Zealanders in mass shootings at two Christchurch mosques are being felt around the world.

Bangladeshi Muslims protest after Friday prayers in Dhaka, after two mosques were attacked in New Zealand.
Bangladeshi Muslims protest after Friday prayers in Dhaka, after two mosques were attacked in New Zealand.

Counter-terrorism police in the UK have announced they are stepping up patrols around mosques in direct response to the attack earlier today. Scotland Yard’s national counter-terrorism lead Neil Basu said resources had also been offered to New Zealand investigators.

“We are monitoring events in New Zealand closely and send our condolences to all those affected,” he said.

“Today we will be stepping up reassurance patrols around mosques and increasing engagement with communities of all faith, giving advice on how people and places can protect themselves.”

Earlier, Muslims turned up en masse at Sydney’s Lakemba mosque to pray and grieve.

7.40pm: This is not us: Peters

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealanders will not be cowed by extremists, rejecting any suggestion the country was a “soft-touch” for far-right radicals.

“We have to examine what is going on internationally and in this country and deal with it,” Mr Peters told Sky News.

“These people are not far right by political choice, they are far right because they are racist extremists.”

“New Zealand people will be adamant that this is not us, this is not our country. We will not be cowed by it.”

7.15pm: Children among those shot

Canterbury District Health Board Chief Executive David Meates has provided details about those injured in the Christchurch mass shooting, confirming children are among the casualties.

“Forty-eight patients, ranging from young children to adults with gunshot wounds are being treated at Christchurch Hospital. Injuries range from critical to minor. Additional patients with gunshot wounds presented to other health facilities in the community,” Mr Meates said.

“Twelve operating theatres are currently in use and due to the nature of some of the injuries, many people will need multiple surgeries.

“Around 200 family members are on site awaiting news of their loved ones. Together with police we are providing support to these people.”

He said local women due to give birth had been told to seek care at alternative facilities in order to deal with the terror attack case load.

“We envisage we will see an increasing demand for wellbeing support over the coming days and weeks as the reality and enormity of what has happened in our city today sinks in.”

7.08pm: Death toll rises to 49

New Zealand Police have confirmed the death toll from the Christchurch terror attack has risen to 49. A man in his late 20s has also been charged with murder. Commissioner Mike Bush has refused to confirm the accused man’s name, but said he would face court tomorrow.

One person found in possession of a firearm and taken into custody immediately after the incident has since been cleared of involvement, while two others — also in custody — are still under investigation.

“We have had no other threats since we responded to this incident,” he said.

Commissioner Bush said the attack appeared to be well-planned but he would not go into specific details.

Authorities have also confirmed 48 people are being treated for gunshot wounds at Christchurch Hospital.

A local information hotline has been set up to assist the public: 0800 115 019

Remy Varga 6.30pm: Victoria Police to patrol mosques

Victoria Police will patrol mosques over the weekend in the wake of the Christchurch attack.

Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam moved to reassure the public, saying there were no known links between the terrorists and Victoria.

“There is no known links to the suspects involved in this incident to any persons in Victoria. There is also no current intelligence at this point to suggest there is any threat to the Victorian community.” she said.

An Australian man from the city of Grafton in the northeast of NSW has been arrested in connection to the incident.

Deputy Commissioner Steendam said police would patrol mosques over the weekend and that authorities had been liaising with the Muslim community.

“We understand these types of incidents cause people significant anxiety, fear and concern within their own communities and people may feel unsure in their own communities.” she said.

“To assist with these we are increasing our patrols in and around places of worship and at all community events over the weekend, and we have also been liaising with our key partners and community members particularly within the Muslim community, so that they feel supported to actually have the assistance that they need.”

The Islamic Council of Victoria has organised for an open mosque day, where non-adherents of the Muslim faith are invited to visit mosques, to take place over the weekend. Deputy Commissioner Steendam said the ICV wished to continue as planned.

“We’ve been liasing with the ICV in relation to those events, and my understanding is they’re still very keen for those events to occur, we would encourage members of the community to go to those mosques to support the community and we will also be out there with extra patrols and will be highly visible at those locations.” she said.

“We will be doing every we can to reassure the community to assist them in being safe and feeling safe.”

Deputy Commissioner Steendam said there would be extra patrols at the Grand Prix.

6.15pm: No specific threat here: NSW Police

NSW Police say there is no ongoing or specific threat to the state’s mosques or places of worship, in the wake of the Prime Minister’s confirmation that an individual taken into custody after the Christchurch mosque attack is an Australian-born citizen.

“Following the devastating events in New Zealand, NSW Police want to assure the public there is no ongoing or specific threat to any mosque or place of worship in Sydney or across New South Wales,” the statement read.

“However, police have increased patrols and senior officers have also reached out to community and religious leaders across the state to provide support and reassurance.

“NSW Police Force will continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety and security of all members of the community and everyone should continue to go about their business without fear.”

5.49pm: What we know so far

There has been a mass shooting at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch on Friday afternoon. The attack targeted hundreds of worshippers at the Masjid Al Noor mosque near Hagley Park and another mosque on Linwood Avenue in Christchurch during Friday prayers.

DEATH TOLL AND INJURIES: At least 40 people have been killed and 20 injured. Several hundred people were worshipping at the mosques.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed an Australian-born citizen has been taken into custody. Altogether, New Zealand police have taken four people into custody - three men and one woman. It remains unclear if more people were involved. One shooter identified himself online via a manifesto as 28-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant.

COMMUNITY SAFETY: A number of car bombs have been disengaged by military personnel. Schools went into lockdown for a few hours and people have been urged to stay indoors. Worshippers have been urged to stay away from mosques and police have asked all mosques across the country to shut their doors until further notice. LIVE STREAM OF SHOOTING: A gunman streamed his attack live and the 17-minute video has been shared on social media. Police have urged users not to share the distressing footage and they are working to have any videos removed.

AAP

Debbie Schipp 5.42pm: ‘We utterly reject, condemn you’

Jacinda Ardern says: “For those questioning how this could happen here — we were not a target because we are a safe harbour for those who hate … we were chosen for the fact we are none of these things … because we represent diversity, kindness compassion, and offer refuge for those who need it.

“Those things cannot and will not be shaken by this attack.”

Ms Ardern condemned the ideology of “the people who did this”.

“You may have chosen us, but we utterly reject and condemn you”

Debbie Schipp 5.28pm: Forty dead, 25 critically injured

New Zeaalnd Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed 40 people are dead, and 25 critically injured in the attacks.

Ten of the dead were at Linwood Avenue, three of them outside that mosque.

The other 30 dead were killed at the Masjid Al Noor mosque.

“It is clear this can only be described as a terrorist attack,” she said.

“It appears well planned.

“Two explosive devices attached to suspects’ vehicles have been found and disarmed.”

She said four had been apprehended. Three directly connected to the attack and “one of which has publicly stated they are Australian born.”

“I would describe them as people with extremist views who have no place in New Zealand and in fact, no place in the world.”

She said there was no reason “to believe at this stage there are any other suspects but we are not assuming that at this stage”.

New Zealand’s terror threat level has been lifted from low to high

“There is heightened security so we can assure people of their safety,” Ms Ardern added.

She said she had spoken with the mayor of Christchurch and intends to speak with the imam.

“I want to send a message to those directly affected … our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted today.

“Christchurch was the home of these victims.

“It may not have been the place they were born … for many NZ was their choice … the place they came to and committed themselves … for safety … a place where they were free to practice their culture and religion.”

Debbie Schipp 5.18pm: Gunman’s identity confirmed

Brenton Tarrant — from Grafton and believed to be living in New Zealand — posted images of weapons and ammunition on Twitter before the attack, along with a 37-page manifesto.

In the document he posted about his intentions for the rampage and made comments supporting white nationalist ideology.

He also wrote: “It is a terrorist attack”.

Debbie Schipp 5.14pm: No immediate threat to NSW: Berejiklian

Addressing a media conference, a visibly upset NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said:

“I am deeply shocked and shaken by the acts which have occurred in New Zealand.

“I want on behalf of NSW to express our deepest sympathies and say senior officials from NSW have reached out to NZ to offer assistance.

“The enormity of the events are still unfolding and I know many people will be suffering and many of us are shaken to the core.”

She said she would leave questions about the man, understood to have been a NSW resident, to the police commissioner

“There are no immediate threats to our citizens in NSW,” she said.

5.10pm: No futher suspects: police

New Zealand police say they’re not aware of other suspects beyond the four who have been arrested after two mosque shootings but they can’t be certain. Police Commissioner Mike Bush did not elaborate on the suspects who are in custody.

Rosie Lewis 4.59pm: Morrison confirms shooter is Australian

Scott Morrison has confirmed an individual taken into custody after the Christchurch mosque attack is an Australian-born citizen and Australian authorities and agencies have begun an investigation.

The Prime Minister labelled the attacker an “extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist” who had stolen the lives of so many New Zealanders.

“Australia and New Zealand, we are not just allies, we are not just partners, we are family. As family members with our New Zealand cousins today we grieve, we are shocked, we are appalled, we are outraged, and we stand here and condemn absolutely the attack that occurred today by an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist that has taken the lives, stolen the lives, in a vicious, murderous attack, that has claimed so many New Zealanders.

“This attack reminds us of the evil that his ever present and would seek to strike out at any time and I particularly want to convey my heartfelt sympathies not only to all of the New Zealand people, as I’m sure all Australians would join me in doing, but I particularly want to express my sincere prayers and thoughts for those New Zealanders, indeed Australians of Islamic faith today, who have been the subject of this vicious and callous right-wing extremist attack.

“I am not going to go through the details of this today because that is properly done by the New Zealand authorities. The New Zealand authorities are conducting that investigation, I have just concluded a briefing with our own authorities here and agencies and it is for New Zealand who are leading obviously the investigation to be able to confirm details of any individuals and certainly the number of casualties and I will leave it to them to make those announcements.

“I have already been in contact with Prime Minister Ardern. She is obviously caught up many briefings today. She described it as the darkest day and I agree with her.

“Australian authorities have already put in place all the necessary responses and precautions that necessary here in Australia. Our agencies are working closely with New Zealand authorities and have prepared other capacities to be stood up to support New Zealand as and when requested.

“I can confirm that the individual who was taken into custody I have been advised is an Australian-born citizen, and obviously that element of the investigation Australian authorities are involved in and they will be proceeding with their investigation, which has already been stood up, involving all the relevant agencies.

“We will keep Australians safe in every way possible we can. And we will work with our partners in the region, our family in the region in New Zealand, to do everything we can to support them to keep their people safe as well but right now there is a numbness.

“There is just a still shock that has laid upon us all as we thought would be unthinkable in a place like Christchurch. But it has happened and it is such a sad and devastating reminder of the evil that can be ever present about us.”

Adrian McMurray 4.55pm: ‘NZ will never be the same again’

New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, says the nation “will never be the same again”.

“There’s no words to describe how serious this is,” Mr Peters said.

“It seems the worst of the world has reached our shores and we’re never going to be the same again.

“Every New Zealander will be deeply shocked by what happened.”

Rosie Lewis 4.27pm: ‘An affront on all religions’

Bill Shorten has labelled the Christchurch mosque attack an “affront on all religions and our common humanity” as he urged Australians not to watch or share the footage.

The Opposition Leader acknowledged Australia’s Islamic community would be feeling “very, very concerned and upset” in the wake of the attack.

“Today we mourn for our New Zealand brothers and sisters. We feel their pain, we grieve with them. There’s so much that we still don’t know about this senseless, evil act of murder but it is chilling in its callous preparation, it is horrifying in the scale of death and injury,” Mr Shorten said.

“This was an attack on a mosque, a form of a church, it could have been a synagogue. This is an attack on worshippers practising their faith innocently. An attack on any religion is an affront on all religions, it is an affront on our common humanity.

“Today as we try and make sense of this I particularly feel for the Islamic-Australian community, who must be feeling very, very concerned and upset. I also feel for all the parents who are going to try and explain this to our children tonight.

“What we need to do in explaining this is heed the wise counsel of the New Zealand police force: do not watch the footage, that is what the bad people want us to do. Do not share the footage, that is what the bad people have sought us to do. Do not let this into our lives. This is not normal, do not make this violence normal. Evil is never normal, evil is never part of daily life and we must do everything we can to unite and prevent this from happening again.”

Debbie Schipp 4.18pm: ‘He changed magazines seven times’

As more stories of horror emerge from within the Masjid Al Noor mosque, one witness said one of the gunmen changed magazines seven times as mowed down people at prayer.

“When the shooting started people started rushing out, and the door was closed, and the guys came on them and started shooting them,” he said.

Another witness described seeing as many as 40 people injured.

Debbie Schipp 4.13pm: Lockdown lifted

Police have now lifted a lockdown put in place after the deadly mosque attacks, allowing frantic Christchurch parents to pick up their children.

“Police can now confirm the lock down of schools throughout Christchurch has been lifted,” New Zealand Police said in a statement.

Debbie Schipp 4.08pm: What we know so far

There has been a mass shooting at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch on Friday afternoon, New Zealand time.

The attack targeted hundreds of worshippers at the Masjid Al Noor mosque at Mt Albert and another mosque on Linwood Avenue in Christchurch during Friday prayers.

AAP has provided the following update:

DEATH TOLL AND INJURIES
■ Multiple people have been killed and numerous injured. Several hundred people were inside. There is as yet no official count of deaths or injuries, but NZ media organisations report up to 27 dead so far.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
■ Police have taken four people into custody — three men and one woman. It remains unclear if more people were involved. One shooter has identified himself online via a manifesto. He claims to be a 28-year-old Australian.

COMMUNITY SAFETY
■ Schools have gone into lockdown and people have been urged to stay indoors. Worshippers have been urged to stay away from mosques and police have asked all mosques across the country to shut their doors until further notice.

LIVE STREAM OF SHOOTING
■ A gunman streamed his attack live and the 17-minute video has been shared on social media. Police have urged users not to share the distressing footage and they are working to have any videos removed.

Adrian McMurray 3.59pm: Sonny Bill Williams reacts to shooting

All Blacks ace Sonny Bill Williams has posted a video expressing his sadness following the shootings.

Williams, who converted to Islam some years ago, was visibly distressed in the video posted to his social media accounts.

“Just heard the news and I can’t put into words how I’m feeling right now,” he said.

“Sending my [love] to the families, apparently there’s close to 30 people dead … you are all in paradise. Deeply deeply saddened this would happen in New Zealand.”

3.50pm: Manifesto claims attacks were revenge

A man claiming to have been born in Australia has issued a 74-page “manifesto” saying he carried out the fatal shootings at Christchurch mosques to avenge the deaths of thousands in Europe.

The man had prepared his manifesto titled “The Great Replacement” and posted it on a message board website.

A screengrab of a man believed to be Brenton Tarrant as he shoots through a Christchurch mosque. Source: YouTube
A screengrab of a man believed to be Brenton Tarrant as he shoots through a Christchurch mosque. Source: YouTube

He describes himself as “Just an ordinary White man, 28 years old. Born in Australia to a working class, low income family.”

Read more here

Primrose Riordan 3.42pm: Labor, Greens point to ‘hate speech’

Labor and Greens politicians in Australia have linked the attack in Christchurch with far right political leaders and “hate speech”.

Labor frontbencher Tony Burke tweeted: “does anyone still dispute the link between hate speech and violence?”, while backbench Labor MP Tim Watts has been tweeting links to articles about the radicalisation of white-supremacists online.

Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said today’s violence was the result of politicians who “incite hate”.

“Attending Friday prayers is a family ritual for millions of Muslims. My heart breaks for everyone who has lost family and friends today, and Muslims around the world who worry for their safety each day,” she tweeted.

“There is blood on the hands of politicians who incite hate. To me, there is a clear link between their politics of hate and this sickening, senseless violence.”

Debbie Schipp 3.32pm: Four in custody, multiple fatalities

NZ police now report they have four people in custody — three men and one woman — in relation to the mosque attack.

Police remain unsure if they have everyone in custody over the attack.

“I won’t assume there aren’t others, but I don’t have information to that affect,” Commissioner Mike Bush said.

“There were a number of explosive devices attached to vehicles that have been rendered safe by defence forces … that cuts to the seriousness of the situation,” he added.

Commissioner Bush said the footage of the attack was very disturbing and police are doing everything in their power to get it removed.

Debbie Schipp 3.16pm: Cricket Test cancelled

The Test cricket match between Bangladesh and New Zealand has been cancelled, after the Bangladeshi team escaped the deadly mosque attack in Christchurch.

Debbie Schipp 3.00pm: Police plea on video

NZ police have urged people not to share graphic video of the shootings.

“Police are aware there is extremely distressing footage relating to the incident in Christchurch circulating online,” police said via Twitter.

“We would strongly urge that the link not be shared. We are working to have any footage removed.”

Debbie Schipp 2.56pm: Witnesses describe shooting horror

Witnesses have described the scenes of horror as the gunman opened fire.

One man, inside the mosque, told 1 News Now: “I heard the bang sound of a gun … and the second one … I ran. Lots of people were sitting on the floor.

Members of the public react in front of the Masjd Al Noor Mosque as they fear for their relatives. Picture: Getty Images
Members of the public react in front of the Masjd Al Noor Mosque as they fear for their relatives. Picture: Getty Images

“The gun was front of the door, I ran behind the mosque.

“And I rang the police. The police come. I saw one gun on the floor. There was lots of people dying, injured.”

Ahmad Al-Mahmoud described the moment the gunman opened fire.

“They guy he was wearing like … army … you know. And he had … a big gun and lot of bullets. And he came through and he started shooting everyone in the mosque, you know everywhere.

The location of the Christchurch mosque where the shooting took place.
The location of the Christchurch mosque where the shooting took place.

“And they had to smash the door and the glass, and everyone tried to get out. We tried to get everyone to run away from that area, because we couldn’t open the door for everyone.

“So I ran away from the carpark, jumping from the back, you know, houses.”

Mr Al-Mahmoud said the shooter wearing a helmet.

Asked how many shots, Mr Al-Mahmoud said he heard more than 50, but described the gunman as having “more than hundreds” of rounds.

More here

Debbie Schipp 2.47pm: Dozens feared dead

Dozens are feared to have been killed in the mosque attacks, according to the New Zealand Herald.

Police have warned people to avoid mosques anywhere in New Zealand following two shootings with multiple fatalities at two mosques in Christchurch.

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said anyone thinking of going to a mosque should stay put and close their doors.

Debbie Schipp 2.35pm: Gunman’s live stream of attack

This is the moment a gunman walked into the mosque and began shooting people at prayer.

The shooting was livestreamed to social media, shot from what appears to be a camera strapped to the gunman’s head.

Video images of the Christchurch Mosque shooting.
Video images of the Christchurch Mosque shooting.

The sickeningly graphic video, viewed by The Australian and verified by Storyful, begins with a man loading up his car with guns and saying “let’s get this party started” before driving through the streets of Christchurch.

He is wearing gloves, and is driving towards the mosque.

A semiautomatic weapon is clearly visible in the video.

The video then shows the carparking, and the gunman emerging around the corner from the mosque.

He opens the boot of the car, revealing two black weapons, covered in white with writing of a series of names on the magazines.

He walks into the front gate of the mosque, firing down the street in both directions, and then down the driveway of the mosque.

The he fires at one person before storming on and running in through the doors.

Then the true terror begins.

He shoots repeatedly and indiscriminately at any person he sees.

He reloads. Many times.

He circles the mosque’s rooms, in and out — still shooting — into prone bodies on the ground.

Eventually he leaves the mosque, exiting the front gate, and firing another volley of indiscriminate shots up the street.

As he drives away he can be heard lamenting he “could have stayed longer” … and there was “time for the fuel”.

2.30pm: The moment the gunman was arrested

Footage of the moment the gunman was arrested has emerged.

Debbie Schipp 2.23pm: ‘Prayers with Kiwi cousins’: PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has just tweeted about the mosque shootings.

Bill Shorten has also tweeted about the shooting.

Debbie Schipp 2.15pm: ‘One of NZ’s darkest days’

NZ PM Jacinda Ardern has addressed the media, saying this “is and will be one of New Zealand’s darkest days”.

“This is not who we are,” Ms Ardern said.

“Police have one suspect in custody, however there could be others.

“There are multiple scenes involved in this incident.

“I can’t confirm fatalities and casualties but it is clear this is one of New Zealand’s darkest days.

“This is an unprecedented act of violence.

“There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence.”

Ms Ardern refused to give further details of the person in custody.

Debbie Schipp 2.09pm: Shooter in custody

NZ police say there may be multiple fatalities at two locations.

At a police conference minutes ago a spokesman said: “We have an active shooter with multiple fatalities. We have one person in custody but we are unsure if there are other people.

“The multiple fatalities are as far as we know are at two mosques (in Christchurch)

“We are unsure if there are any other locations under threat.”

Debbie Schipp 2.00pm: Gunman an Australian citizen: reports

The NZ Herald reports the gunman, believed to be Australian citizen, filmed as he shot victims in the mosque and wrote a 37-page manifesto declaring his intentions. Authorities are yet to confirm this.

1.42pm: Diplomats check on Australians

Australian diplomats in New Zealand are seeking information on whether any citizens were affected by the Christchurch mosque shooting.

Armed police have been deployed at the Masjid Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch where the shooting happened at 1.40pm (NZT) on Friday, with reports of numerous casualties.

“The Australian high commission in Wellington is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to determine whether any Australians have been affected,” a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman told AAP.

AAP

1.39pm: Second shooting: reports

Media in New Zealand are reporting a shooting at a second mosque in Linwood.

1.38pm: Shooter dropped gun in driveway

Many people were killed in a mass shooting at a mosque in Christchurch, a witness said. Police have not yet described the scale of the shooting but urged people in central Christchurch to stay indoors.

WARNING: graphic images

A body lies on the footpath outside a mosque in central Christchurch. Picture: AP
A body lies on the footpath outside a mosque in central Christchurch. Picture: AP

Witness Len Peneha said he saw a man dressed in black enter the Masjid Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch at about 1.45pm and then heard dozens of shots, followed by people running from the mosque in terror. Peneha, who has lived next door to the mosque for about five years, said the gunman ran out of the mosque, dropped what appeared to be a semiautomatic weapon in Peneha’s 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.”

AP

Debbie Schipp 1.18pm: Gunfire lasted ‘10-15 minutes’: witnesses

Witnesses say they could hear shot after shot for ten to 15 minutes, even as they called police, the shots continued, Sky News reports.

1.12pm: ‘I saw dead people everywhere’

A witness says many people have been killed in the mass shooting. Police have not described the scale of the shooting but urged people in central Christchurch to stay indoors.

Emergency services at scene of alleged shooting. Source: TV New Zealand
Emergency services at scene of alleged shooting. Source: TV New Zealand

Witness Len Peneha says 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.

He says he also saw the gunman flee before emergency services arrived Peneha says he went into the mosque to try and help: “I saw dead people everywhere.”

AFP

Adrian McMurray 1.09pm: Active shooter situation

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush says the situation is “evolving”, with the shooter still at large. He recommend Christchurch residents remain indoors until further notice. The New Zealand Herald is reporting at least one person has died.

Debbie Schipp 12.59pm: Second mosque evacuated

Another eyewitness told Radio NZ people are being evacuated from near a second mosque in Christchurch and police are swarming the area.

Interior photo of the Al Noor Mosque in Hagley Park, Christchurch. Picture: Supplied
Interior photo of the Al Noor Mosque in Hagley Park, Christchurch. Picture: Supplied

Christchurch Hospital is in lockdown. All appointments have been cancelled this afternoon, and no staff or patients are to enter or leave the building.

Local media reported multiple casualties at one mosque and said another had been evacuated.

With AFP

Adrian McMurray 12.40pm: Shooter wearing ‘military-style jacket’

New Zealand Police are responding to a shooting at a mosque in central Christchurch this afternoon, with reports of multiple casualties.

An eyewitness told Radio New Zealand the man was wearing a helmet, glasses, and a military-style jacket entered the mosque and opened fire where about 300 people were praying, including members of the Bangaladesh cricket team.

The team escaped unharmed, running back through Hagley Park. The side are in Christchurch ahead of the third Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin tomorrow.

Schools throughout the city, on the country’s South Island, have been placed into lockdown.

More to come

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/world/christchurch-mosque-shooting-reports-of-multiple-casualties/news-story/de04d686c219614f801591f4eb5f2b92