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New Zealand mosque attacks: How Christchurch massacre unfolded

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Via RT


New Zealand experienced one of the worst instances of extremist violence in its history on Friday, when 49 people were gunned down at two mosques in Christchurch. This is how the tragic events unfolded.

The first reports of multiple gunshots in Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, came in around 1:40pm local time. Police deployed armed officers in response.

New Zealand Police on Twitter: “Police are currently responding to reports of shots fired in central Christchurch at around 1:40pm.Armed police have been deployed.Police urge anyone in central Christchurch to stay indoors and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111. / Twitter”

Police are currently responding to reports of shots fired in central Christchurch at around 1:40pm.Armed police have been deployed.Police urge anyone in central Christchurch to stay indoors and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111.

Witnesses soon pinpointed the scene of the attack as the Masjid Al Noor mosque on Deans Avenue, a street that serves as the eastern border of the centermost part of the city. A man armed with an automatic rifle and wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet was reported entering the building and opening fire at random people.

Police cordoned off the central part of the city and advised people to stay indoors, saying the “evolving situation” remained dangerous. Officers cleared Deans Avenue and Hagley Park, which is located just east of it. A heavy police presence was reported around the Christchurch hospital in the eastern part of the park.

Police action was also reported in the Linwood neighborhood 5km east of the Masjid Al Noor mosque, with some people injured. It soon emerged that another mosque, the Linwood Masjid, located in the area, also came under attack at about 1:45pm. The shooter was described as a man wearing a black motorcycle helmet and camouflage clothing armed with an assault rifle.

About two hours into the incident, police confirmed that a suspect was in custody, but said that more people involved in the attacks may be out there. They advised all mosques in New Zealand to lock their doors and for people to refrain from going there.

A video also emerged online, apparently filmed by an attacker at one of the mosques. Police urged people to not share the footage and said they were actively trying to remove it from public access.

New Zealand Police on Twitter: “Police are aware there is extremely distressing footage relating to the incident in Christchurch circulating online. We would strongly urge that the link not be shared. We are working to have any footage removed. / Twitter”

Police are aware there is extremely distressing footage relating to the incident in Christchurch circulating online. We would strongly urge that the link not be shared. We are working to have any footage removed.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the nation, calling the situation “one of New Zealand’s darkest days.” She said many of the victims were likely refugees who found a home in the country. “They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not.”

Footage emerged of what appears to be the arrest of a suspect in the shootings. Police rammed their car into another vehicle on Brougham Street before apprehending the driver.

Prime Minister Ardern said the tragic events “can now only be described as a terrorist attack.” The death toll was soon updated by Police Commissioner Mike Bush, who said 49 people were confirmed dead.

Commissioner Bush reported that four people had been taken into custody – three men and one woman. “We are not aware of other people, but we cannot assume there are not others at large,” he said. He also confirmed that the attackers had improvised explosive devices. Police secured them when seizing the suspects’ vehicles, he said.

An outpouring of condolences and support came from across New Zealand and other nations.

Australian PM Scott Morrison confirmed that one of the men arrested in New Zealand is an Australian citizen.

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The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.

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warmingmyth
warmingmyth
March 15, 2019

This is very obviously a f @lse f l a g.

Rick Oliver
Rick Oliver
Reply to  warmingmyth
March 16, 2019

I do not call 49 innocent lives murdered , ” a false flag .” Grow up you cunt !!

ManintheMoon
ManintheMoon
Reply to  Rick Oliver
March 16, 2019

I suspect you’ve misunderstood. Obviously, if lots of people have been murdered (if they have) it’s tragic. Unfortunately there’s a long history of highly suspicious ‘massacres’ where the powers that be are suspiciously involved, either setting up the perpetrators or even faking the whole thing – there are some interesting images of the Boston marathon for instance showing what seem to be crisis actors. We need to be sceptical. I’d say no more than that.

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