Christchurch shootings: 49 killed and dozens injured in terror attack

Death toll is now at 49, according to New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush: -41 dead at mosque on Deans Avenue -7 dead at mosque on Linwood Avenue -1 passed away at Christchurch Hospital

Four people were initially apprehended, Bush said. -1 male in late 20s who has been charged with murder and should appear in court tomorrow -1 person armed at the scene, but may have had nothing to do w/ incident -2 others who had firearms; their involvement is being investigated

Police Commissioner Mike Bush says weapons have been found near the mosques where the shooting occurred. Specialist police will continue to maintain a presence at mosques around the country. One man in his late 20s has been charged with murder and will appear in court tomorrow.

1/9 Police continue to deal with what is an unprecedented event for New Zealand. The loss of life and the number of those who have been injured is tragic. As the Prime Minister has stated, this has been designated a terrorist attack.

2/9 This has been an abhorrent event and my thoughts are with all of those affected in Christchurch. Be assured NZ Police stand with you all tonight. We now know that 49 people have been killed in the attacks, 41 people at the Deans Avenue mosque, and seven…

3/9 …at the Linwood Avenue mosque. One person died in hospital. The number of those being treated in hospital has been updated to 48 people. A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder and is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court tomorrow morning.

4/9 Two others remain in custody. Another person was arrested earlier today however that was not related to these events. This is still an ongoing situation and Police has a significant number of staff on the ground in Christchurch.

5/9 We are unable at this stage to provide details about matters leading up to the attacks. It is very early days and these matters will form part of the investigation. There is an increased Police presence across Christchurch and surrounding areas.

6/9 Our priority is to keep all New Zealanders safe. There are community events planned across the country this weekend and there will be a visible Police presence at these events for safety and reassurance. We thank the public…

7/9 …for their ongoing co-operation and we would like to reassure members of the public that a large Police presence will remain in the city for the time being. The safety of the community is our priority.

8/9 Police wish to notify the public of the Restoring Family Links (RFL) website where people can register missing persons or register themselves as alive. People living in New Zealand can also register missing persons on 0800 115 019.

9/9 Information will continue to be provided as it becomes available. Our thoughts remain with all of those affected.https://familylinks.icrc.org/new-zealand/en/Pages/Home.aspx …

The suspect's 74-page manifesto was littered with conspiracy theories about white birth rates and "white genocide" and stated he was following the example of notorious right-wing extremists, including Dylann Roof.https://wapo.st/2T7AAQr 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says national security threat level has been lifted from low to high after mosque attacks. | via @AP

Australian Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP has confirmed one of the suspected gunmen that has been taken into custody is an Australian citizen. He has described the attackers in Christchurch as "violent terrorists" who undertook a "right wing extremist attack".

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.

Police are responding to at least two critical incidents in Christchurch, New Zealand after gunmen opened fire inside two busy mosques. Unconfirmed reports of mass casualties.https://www.news.com.au/world/pacific/police-respond-to-shooting-inside-christchurch-mosque/news-story/db75a7aa031b8db068ca7c7e44c4728e …

#BREAKING An eyewitness says he heard shots fired inside the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch and four people are lying on the ground - "there was blood everywhere".https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/384790/shots-heard-at-mosque-in-central-christchurch …

A witness inside the Christchurch mosque said a man came in with an autmatic rifle and shot people. @NZStuffhttps://www.stuff.co.nz/national/111313938/live-coverage-police-attending-evolving-situation-in-christchurch …

#Breaking: Major incident unfolding in Christchurch with reports of a gunman opening fire at a mosque near Hagley Park. Three understood to be seriously injured. Local schools in lockdown and children on #ClimateStrike protest cleared from Cathedral Squarehttp://www.stuff.co.nz/national/111313238/evolving-situation-in-christchurch?cid=app-iPhone …

An eyewitness described the moment she helped aid a man who was shot in the Christchurch shooting.https://twitter.com/i/events/1106471831492427776 …

Following the tragedy in #Christchurch, the remainder of regional departures from Christchurch Friday evening have been cancelled. This is because it is not possible to screen customers and their baggage. Check here:https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/arrivals-and-departures …

If your flight is affected and you have not signed up to receive flight notifications, please contact the original issuer of your ticket. Jet services and regional arrivals will continue to operate.

The person who has committed this violent act has no place here. To those in Christchurch; I encourage you to stay inside and follow the instructions of @nzpolice. The Police Commissioner will be making a public statement at 5pm. I will update everyone again later this evening.

My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!

On behalf of the UK, my deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand after the horrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch. My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence.

Attacking people during prayers is absolutely appalling, and Canada strongly condemns today’s shootings in New Zealand. Our thoughts and hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we join New Zealanders and Muslim communities around the world in grieving.

I'm horrified by the reports I’m following of the serious shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. The situation is still unfolding but our thoughts and prayers are with our Kiwi cousins.

The Queen has sent the following message to the people of New Zealand. I have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch today. Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives...(1/2)

...I also pay tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who are providing support to those who have been injured. At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders. Elizabeth R. (2/2)http://bit.ly/2F6yUBI 

Toutes nos pensées pour les victimes des crimes odieux contre les mosquées de Christchurch en Nouvelle-Zélande et pour leurs proches. La France se dresse contre toute forme d’extrémisme et agit avec ses partenaires contre le terrorisme dans le monde.

Horrified by the mass shootings in Christchurch. My heart breaks for the worshippers at these two mosques. Canada stands with its New Zealand friends in condemning these violent acts of terror and Islamophobia.

Heartbroken & horrified by the white nationalist terrorist attack during Jummah on the mosques and Muslim community in Christchurch. Keeping all affected by this tragedy in my heart and prayers. We need a global response to the global threat of violent white nationalism.

49 innocent people were slaughtered in their place of worship during the terrorist attack on Christchurch Mosques. We join New Zealand and Muslim communities around the world in condemnation of this evil as we pray for the families of each victim and grieve together.

People are standing with the community of Christchurch and sharing their love and support with those affected by the shootings. #TheyAreUshttps://twitter.com/i/events/1106424827294830593 …

The third Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been called off after fatal shootings at two mosques in Christchurch.https://twitter.com/i/events/1106407588550238209 …