UPDATE: Death Toll Reaches 50 in New Zealand Mosque Attacks
Police now say all evidence points to a lone gunman
March 17th
The death toll has risen to 50 after removing victims’ bodies from the crime scenes.
The police say all the evidence points to Brenton Harrison Tarrant being a lone gunman. One other person picked up in the investigation faces charges of inciting racial hatred, and another faces a firearms charge, but police note neither was involved in the attacks.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says gun laws will be tightened, but details will be discussed at cabinet level Monday.
I spoke with PM @jacindaardern to share Canada’s condolences for the many lives senselessly lost in the terrorist attack in Christchurch, and offer our support. To the New Zealanders and Muslims around the world who are mourning, Canadians mourn with you. https://t.co/Ar57gHsc9E
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 17, 2019
March 16th
The suspect in the New Zealand mosques shooting is due back in court next month.
He appeared in court Saturday and showed no emotion when the judge read him one murder charge. The judge added it was reasonable to assume more such charges would follow.
At least 49 people were shot to death during midday prayers Friday. Two other armed suspects were taken into custody.
March 15th
New Zealand’s Prime Minister calls it an ‘e
Forty-nine people killed,
Four people – three men and a woman – have been taken into custody; one of them, a male in his late-20s, has been charged with Murder.
Police do not believe there are any other suspects.
A social media post just prior to the attack, from an account believed to belong to one of the attackers, included a link to an 87-page manifesto filled with anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim ideas and explanations for the attack.
banner image of Al Noor Mosque, New Zealand via Facebook
