A mass shooting just happened in Christchurch, New Zealand when 28-year-old Breton Tarrant, armed with a rifle, walked up to the Al Noor Mosque in Deans Ave and opened fire.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
There was even a 17-minute video that was live-streamed from a GoPro helmet cam where it showed the man picking up a rifle from the boot of his car filled with ammunition and weapons before walking casually up the street and to the mosque, where devotees were performing their Friday prayers. He then opens fire.
The rest of the video has him moving from room to room, firing at the fleeing victims. After moving through the building, he goes back to the car and reloads before returning to the mosque and starts shooting any survivors.
The video ends with him in his car, using his GPS as he drives to another location.
It is believed that the man is not acting alone. In total, there were shootings at two mosques. Vox has reported another shooting that took place at Linwood Mosque in the suburb of Linwood while Sydney Morning Herald has reported shots fired at Christchurch Hospital. The attack was also planned to include bombings, with several car bombs planted. All known car bombs have been safely disabled.
Source: Daily Mail
So far, 40 people are reported to be dead in this horrific attack (30 at Al Noor Mosque and 10 at Linwood Mosque) whereas 48 people, including children, are heavily wounded.
The Foreign Ministry has announced that as of 3pm (Malaysian time), two Malaysians have been injured in the incident and are currently being treated. There are no known Malaysian fatalities.
The Foreign Ministry has released a statement, which reads, “Malaysia condemns in the strongest term, this senseless act of terror on innocent civilians and hopes that those responsible for this barbaric crime be brought to justice.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of today’s shooting incident. The High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington is in contact with Malaysians in Christchurch and is monitoring the situation closely.”
Source: The Star
The gunman has since released a manifesto, titled The Great Replacement, where he states his motives behind the attack. According to the manifesto, the attack seems to be racially and religiously motivated.
Christchurch has since been put on lockdown. Meanwhile, police have arrested three men, including Brenton, and one woman.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates.
PS: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has warned the public NOT to share the video footage of the Christchurch shootings as doing so is considered an offence under the law.
Also read: Kota Damansara Pub Attacked by Explosives, Police Say it’s Not Terrorism
