Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has declared the deadly Christchurch shooting “New Zealand’s darkest day”.
The shootings occurred at two busy mosques in Christchurch, on the South Island, on Friday afternoon, resulting in multiple deaths and casualties, according to reports.
One of the gunmen livestreamed the shooting at Al Noor Mosque to social media, sharing the shocking video to Facebook.
Addressing the media as police continue to deal with the incident – now with four suspects in custody – Ardern said migrants deserve to feel safe in New Zealand, declaring “they are us”.
“Many of those who will have been directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here. They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home,” she said.
“They are us.
“The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand. There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence, which it is clear this act was.”
Police are yet to confirm the exact number of casualties.
"This is one of New Zealand's darkest days… There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence."
Prime Minister Jacinda Arden speaks after Christchurch mass shooting – live updates: https://t.co/CLdzBLwimp pic.twitter.com/8Tdk8MBULp
— CNN International (@cnni) March 15, 2019
Friday is the holiest day for Muslims and the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Mosque were filled with worshippers prior to the shootings, according to reports. Witnesses reported a number of casualties.
Just a small bit of context – which almost feels meaningless given the tragedy of all this – Friday is the holiest day for Muslims. Mosque on Friday is sort of like Sunday mass for Christians. It adds an extra level of heartache.
— Osman Faruqi (@oz_f) March 15, 2019
Ardern called for calm in what is an ongoing incident.
“My thoughts also to those in Christchurch, who are still dealing with an unfolding situation,” she said.
“The advice from police continues to be that people remain indoors. I acknowledge that that may mean that some families are separated, but please continue to listen out for information as it comes to light that’s been directly provided by the New Zealand Police with further information. But as I say, please remain in lockdown.
“We are potentially still dealing with an evolving situation. And again, as I say, across multiple sites. Please be assured, though, the police are actively managing the situation.”
What has happened in Christchurch is an extraordinary act of unprecedented violence. It has no place in New Zealand. Many of those affected will be members of our migrant communities – New Zealand is their home – they are us.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) March 15, 2019
New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush addressed the media earlier, detailing the lockdown.
“The multiple fatalities are, as far as we know, at two locations. Amosque at Deans Ave and another mosque at Linwood Ave, Christchurch. Again, we are unsure if there are any other locations outside of that area that are under threat,” he said.
“I want to assure everyone that we have mobilised every police resource in the Canterbury region to respond to this. And we are also in the process of mobilising every national police resource to keep people safe. But I also want to ask you to stay indoors if you’re in that location.
“And I want to ask anyone that was thinking of going to a mosque anywhere in New Zealand today not to go, to close your doors until you hear from us again.”
If this incident has raised concerns for you, you can call Lifeline on 131114.