Christchurch shooting: Multiple casualties have been reported in the shooting in Christchurch
New Zealand police ordered a lockdown in Christchurch after a shooting at two mosques in the South Island city. Police have also warned that the shooter is still active. Police have said that 49 people died in the attack, and have also said that four people have been taken into custody. One of the suspects has been charged with murder.
"This is one of New Zealand's darkest days. It was an unprecedented act of violence," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. She also said that it was a terror attack.
New Zealand's police commissioner has said that are no longer actively searching for suspects.
The Bangladesh cricket team, in Christchurch to play a test match, was in the mosque but all members escaped unharmed, opening batsman Tamim Iqbal tweeted.
Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most members of the team were bussed to the mosque and were about to go inside when the incident happened. "They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he told AFP.
Here are the updates on the mosque shooting in Christchurch:
Nine people from India or of Indian origin have gone missing after this morning's twin shootings at two mosques in Christchurch in which 49 people have died, the Indian envoy in New Zealand has said. Two Indians have died in the attacks, a third is battling for his life, Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of AIMIM (All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen Party) has said. "As per updates received from multiple sources there are
9 missing persons of indian nationality/ origin. Official confirmation still awaited. Huge crime against humanity. Our prayers with their families," High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to his New Zealand counterpart, Jacinda Ardern, expressing deep shock at loss of innocent lives in the Christchurch attack, news agency PTI said. He also conveyed India's strong condemnation of terrorism and all those who support such violent acts.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blamed "Western hypocrisy" for the attacks on two mosques in New Zealand that killed at least 49 worshippers and wounded dozens during Friday prayers.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that the United States strongly condemned the attack. "The United States strongly condemns the attack in Christchurch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with the people of New Zealand and their government against this vicious act of hate," she said.
Pope Francis assured "all New Zealanders, and in particular the Muslim community, of his heartfelt solidarity," after Friday's attacks on two mosques which left 49 people dead. The pope was "deeply saddened to learn of the injury and loss of life caused by the senseless acts of violence," Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said in a telegram.
The grand imam of Egypt's famed Al-Azhar mosque and university has condemned a mass shooting targeting mosques in New Zealand on Friday as a "horrific terrorist attack". "This horrific terrorist attack is a serious indicator of the consequences of rising rhetoric of hatred and xenophobia and the spread of Islamophobia" in countries "known for the coexistence of their inhabitants", said Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb.
White House condemns New Zealand attack as "vicious act of hate", news agency AFP reported
"We are shocked to hear about the shooting in Christchurch. Any Indians needing assistance should contact us at 021803899 or 021850033," the Twitter account of the Indian High Commission in New Zealand said.
Queen Elizabeth II, New Zealand's head of state, on Friday said she was "deeply saddened" by the attacks on two mosques which left 49 people dead.
"I have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch today... At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders," she wrote.
National carrier Air New Zealand has canceled at least 17 flights in and out of Christchurch, saying it couldn't screen customers and their baggage following deadly shootings at two mosques, news agency PTI reported. The airline said some smaller planes travelling on regional routes were canceled while larger jet planes would continue landing and taking off due to security screening processes already in place.
Typically, passengers on smaller turboprop aircraft traveling to or from Christchurch don't go through security screening and are able to walk right onto the plane.
New Zealand police investigating Friday's mosque massacre in Christchurch have evacuated residents living near a property in the city of Dunedin that they believe is linked to the attacks, news agency AFP quoted officials.
Police said the property, located some 350 kilometres from Christchurch, was "of interest" in relation to the mosque attacks which left 49 dead.
"Evacuations of properties in the immediate area have taken place as a precaution," police said in a statement.
French authorities have stepped up security measures near religious sites after the deadly attacks at two mosques in New Zealand left 49 people dead, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said
New Zealand police commissioner says police is not actively looking for more suspects
One man has been charged with murder in the Christchurch mosque attack
The number of dead has risen to 49, New Zealand police reported
Some 48 people, including children, are being treated in Christchurch Hospital after shootings at two mosques in the city on Friday, New Zealand health authorities said.
New Zealand military detonate suspicious bags in Auckland 'as a precaution', news agency AFP reports
The security threat level in New Zealand has been raised to "high"
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the attackers were not on the country's terror watchlist
"New Zealand was attacked because we 'represent diversity'," the Prime Minister said
The New Zealand Prime Minister said that 40 people have died in the terror attack in Christchurch
The gunman who killed numerous worshippers in a New Zealand mosque on Friday was a right-wing extremist with Australian citizenship, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
The lockdown of schools in New Zealand has been lifted
New Zealand Gunman Reportedly Livestreamed "Distressing Footage"The gunman who opened fire inside a crowded mosque in New Zealand's Christchurch during afternoon prayers today, reportedly live streamed the entire incident, unverified footage of which has been circulating on social media. New Zealand police in a tweet acknowledging the circulation of "extremely distressing" footage, "strongly" urging users to not share it. Read the full story
here New Zealand police have said four people have been taken into custody
The third test match that was to be played between New Zealand and Bangladesh in Christchurch has been canceled
https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/christchurch-shooting-new-zealand-bangladesh-third-test-called-off-2007853
Witnesses told media that a man dressed in a military-style, camouflage outfit, and carrying an automatic rifle had started randomly shooting people in the Al Noor mosque.
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". Read the full story
here "Our thoughts are with everyone in Christchurch. We can confirm that both teams and support staff groups are safe and accounted for. We will be working with authorities on the next steps regarding tomorrow's scheduled Test," the New Zealand cricket team has tweeted
"This is one of New Zealand's darkest days. It was an unprecedented act of violence," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement.
Police have advised people all over New Zealand not to visit mosques
Police also said there have been multiple fatalities
New Zealand police have said that one person has been taken into custody
Police advised people living in the centre of Christchurch to stay indoors. All schools and council buildings in the city have been placed into lockdown.
Media reported that a gunman opened fire inside mosque in Christchurch's Hagley Park district. There were reports of armed police at a second mosque in the suburb of Linwood.
New Zealand media has reported that multiple people have been killed in the shooting