Christchurch mosque shootings

Coordinates: 43°31′58″S 172°36′42″E / 43.5329°S 172.6118°E / -43.5329; 172.6118
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Christchurch mosque shootings
Al Noor Mosque, June 2006
Map
Location of Al Noor mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre
LocationChristchurch, New Zealand
Coordinates43°31′58″S 172°36′42″E / 43.5329°S 172.6118°E / -43.5329; 172.6118
Date15 March 2019
13:40 (NZDT)
Attack type
Mass shooting, terrorist attack
Deaths49
Injured20+
MotiveFar-right extremism


The Christchurch mosque shootings were a series of white supremacist right-wing terror attacks that occurred at Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, commencing at 13:40 on 15 March 2019 NZDT (05:40 UTC). At least 49 people were killed in the shootings and at least 20 were injured. Three suspects were arrested with one charged. The attack was described as a terrorist attack by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and various governments internationally.

The attack was the deadliest in New Zealand since the 1943 Featherston prisoner of war camp riot and the first mass shooting in New Zealand since the 1997 Raurimu massacre.

Attacks

Attacks occurred at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 49 people and injuring at least 20 others.[1][2][3] The attack is the first mass shooting in New Zealand since the 1997 Raurimu massacre,[4][5][6] and the deadliest in New Zealand since the 1943 Featherston prisoner of war camp riot, which also saw 49 people killed.[7] The shootings have been described as a terrorist attack by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and multiple governments internationally.[8][3]

Police found two car bombs in a vehicle.[9] The New Zealand Defence Force defused them without incident.[9][10][9]

Al Noor Mosque, Riccarton

A heavily armed shooter attacked the Al Noor Mosque in Deans Ave, Riccarton at around 1.40pm.[11] The Al Noor shooter livestreamed 16 minutes of his attack on Facebook Live, where he identified himself as a 28-year-old Australian white supremacist.[12][13] Early moments of the livestream showed the shooter driving his car toward the mosque and listening to a Serbian language song celebrating Radovan Karadžić, who was found guilty of genocide against Bosnian Muslims.[14] The guns used by the shooter were covered in white writing that named people from history as far back as the Crusades who had been in conflict with Muslims.[15][12] Three hundred to five hundred people may have been inside the mosque, attending Friday Prayer, at the time of the shooting.[16] A neighbour of the mosque told reporters that he witnessed the shooter flee the mosque and drop what appeared to be a firearm in the driveway while he fled.[17]

Linwood Islamic Centre

A second shooter attacked the Linwood Islamic Centre.[18][19] One congregant was reported to have returned fire.[20] Police confirmed that it was "a multiple, simultaneous attack".[21]

Suspects

Police Commissioner Mike Bush initially said that three men and one woman had been arrested in connection with the attacks at the two mosques.[22][9] All four were said to hold extremist views. One of the suspects was identified as not being involved in the attack and was released.[23][24]

Before the shooting, the Al Noor shooter posted a manifesto[25] titled "The Great Replacement" (a reference to the white genocide conspiracy theory and its French variant) on the image board 8chan outlining his attack.[26][27][28] The manifesto includes references to high profile right wing figures, 4chan memes and encourages people online to agree with the shooting and to create more memes.[13] The manifesto author also labels himself a "kebab removalist", in reference to a meme on 4chan regarding attacks perpetrated by the Bosnian Serb army against Bosnian Muslims.[13] The shooter's Twitter account, which has since been suspended, showed firearms with the neo-Nazi symbol Black Sun and the Fourteen Words (which appeared in the manifesto), as well as the names of victims of terror attacks in the West scrawled on them.[29]

Aftermath

Survivors of the incidents were transported to nearby hospitals, including Christchurch Hospital.[30][31] Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) activated its mass casualty plan.[30] A spokesperson said that they had found two improvised explosive devices in a single car and had disarmed one.[32]

The livestream has been re-posted on many video streaming services including LiveLeak and YouTube.[33] Police, Muslim Advocacy groups and the Government in general have urged anyone who finds the footage to take it down or report it.[34] Australian media were heavily criticized for airing the footage on television, especially as the confirmed suspect was an Australian.[35]

A number of schools near to the incidents were locked down in the wake of the event.[22] Authorities advised all mosques in the country to close until further notice and have sent police to secure all locations.[36] All Air New Zealand Link flights departing Christchurch Airport were cancelled as a precaution due to the absence of security screening.[37]

The Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Co-ordination (ODESC) was convened to coordinate the government response. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was on public engagements in New Plymouth, returned to Wellington by air to receive official advice.[38]

The third Test cricket match between New Zealand and Bangladesh, scheduled to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch from 16 March, was cancelled because of security concerns.[39] The Bangladeshi team were about to attend the Al Noor Mosque and were moments from entering the building when the incident began.[40][41] The players then fled on foot to Hagley Oval and were kept in lock-down in the stadium's dressing room.[42]

In Dunedin, the New Zealand Police's Armed Offenders Squad have searched a house in Andersons Bay after the Christchurch mosque shooter indicated on social media that he had originally planned to target the city's Al Huda Mosque. Police have cordoned off part of the surrounding Somerville Street and evacuated residents near the property of interest. The University of Otago also postponed its 150th anniversary street parade which was scheduled for 16 March in response to security concerns.[43][44]

Reactions

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the incident an "act of extreme and unprecedented violence" and said "this is one of New Zealand's darkest days"[45][46][47]

Australian prime minister Scott Morrison expressed support for New Zealand and condemned the shootings as a "violent, extremist, right-wing terrorist attack." He confirmed that an Australian had been detained a suspect in connection with the attack.[48][49][50]

United Kingdom's prime minister Theresa May and the Malaysian Foreign Ministry have condemned the shootings and expressed support for the victims and families.[51][52]

YouTuber PewDiePie tweeted "I feel absolutely sickened having my name uttered by this person"; the shooter had told viewers to "subscribe to PewDiePie" at the beginning of the livestream.[53]

President of the United States Donald Trump tweeted "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!".[54]

Ukraine's prime minister Pavlo Klimkin tweeted "We stay together with the people of New Zealand after the heinous mosque attacks in #Christchurch. My thoughts are with all affected by this sickening act of violence and hatred."[55]

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to Prime Minister Ardern, stating: "It was brutal and cynical attack on civilians who had gathered for prayers. I expect that all those involved in this crime will receive the punishment they deserve."[56]

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted following the incident to say he strongly condemned the terrorist attack. He added that this "reaffirms what we have always maintained: that terrorism does not have a religion."[57]

Australian Senator Fraser Anning, while condemned this attack as inappropriate, has also criticized the Muslims presence in Australian and New Zealander community and the rise of Islamophobia sentiment that follows it. In addition, he also points out the inherent violence of Islamic teaching and numerous Islamic terrorism act that were carried by Muslims.[58]

See also

References

  1. ^ "New Zealand mosque shootings kill 49". 15 March 2019 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  2. ^ "Christchurch shootings: Death toll rises to 49 following terrorist attack - live updates". Stuff.co.nz. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Christchurch shootings see 49 people killed in attacks on mosques". ABC Online. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  4. ^ Leask, Anna (3 February 2017). "Raurimu 20 years on: the madman, the massacre and the memories". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  5. ^ Graham-McLay, Charlotte; Ramzy, Austin (14 March 2019). "New Zealand Police Say Multiple Deaths in 2 Mosque Shootings in Christchurch". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  6. ^ "Mass shootings at New Zealand mosques". www.cnn.com. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  7. ^ "Christchurch mosque shootings: New Zealand's worst since 1943". 15 March 2019 – via www.nzherald.co.nz.
  8. ^ "Christchurch mosque shootings: 'This can only be described as a terrorist attack' - PM Jacinda Ardern". Radio New Zealand. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  9. ^ a b c d "Watch: Christchurch mosque shooting - Four in custody". Radio New Zealand. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  10. ^ Casiano, Louis (14 March 2019). "40 killed and more than 20 seriously injured in New Zealand mass shooting targeting mosques". Fox News.
  11. ^ Sharman, Jon (15 March 2019). "Armed police deployed after shots fired at New Zealand mosque". The Independent. Retrieved 15 March 2019. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ a b "Mosque shooting: Christchurch gunman livestreamed shooting". The New Zealand Herald. 15 March 2019. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 15 March 2019. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |newspaper= (help)
  13. ^ a b c Weill, Kelly; Sommer, Will. "Mosque Attack Video Linked to 'White Genocide' Rant". www.thedailybeast.com. Daily Beast. Retrieved 15 March 2019. "The manifesto is riddled with references to 4Chan memes, and urges people who agree with the shooting to make more memes. At one point, the writer describes himself as a “kebab removalist,” a reference to a 4Chan meme about Serbian attacks on Bosnian Muslims. "
  14. ^ Koziol, Michael. "Christchurch shooter's manifesto reveals an obsession with white supremacy over Muslims". www.smh.com.au. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 March 2019. "Music was playing in the car in the background of the video of Tarrant's attack, one in the Serbian language, and one in German. The Serbian song references the "butcher of Bosnia", Radovan Karadzic, a convicted war criminal and the political leader of Bosnian Serbs."Wolves are on the move from Krajina. Fascists and Turks, beware. Karadzic, lead your Serbs, let them see they fear no one," the lyrics say."
  15. ^ "Christchurch shooting: Gunman's chilling live stream of the mosque attack". www.smh.com.au. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  16. ^ "LIVE: Mass shooting at Christchurch mosque as police respond to 'active shooter' situation". 1 News NOW. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  17. ^ "Reports of multiple casualties in Christchurch mosque shooting". ABC News. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  18. ^ "Christchurch gets its second mosque". Indian Weekender. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  19. ^ Barraclough, Breanna (15 March 2019). "Christchurch mosque shooting: Footage emerges of alleged gunman". Newshub. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  20. ^ "Second shooting at mosque in Linwood". New Zealand Herald. New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  21. ^ Molyneux, Vita (15 March 2019). "Live updates: Six people have reportedly been killed in Christchurch shootings near mosque". Newshub. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  22. ^ a b "LIVE: Gunman named, four arrested, as Christchurch mosque attacks leave 'significant' number of fatalities". TVNZ. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  23. ^ "40 killed as gunmen open fire in two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch". CNN. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  24. ^ "Christchurch mosque 'terrorist' shootings: What you need to know". Stuff.co.nz. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  25. ^ Charlene Wong (15 March 2019). "The Manifesto of Brenton Tarrant – a right-wing terrorist on a Crusade". (includes manifesto PDF)
  26. ^ "Christchurch mosque shooting: Gunman posts manifesto detailing reasons for attack". news.com.au. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  27. ^ "Australian man named as NZ mosque gunman". The West Australian. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  28. ^ Martin, Lisa. "Rightwing extremist wrote manifesto before livestreaming Christchurch shooting". www.theguardian.com. Guardian. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  29. ^ "Christchurch mosque gunman posted racist manifesto online before rampage". South China Morning Post. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  30. ^ a b "Deadly mass shooting at New Zealand mosques". 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  31. ^ "Four arrested after mass shooting at mosque, Islamic centre". www.9news.com.au. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  32. ^ "Death toll rises to 49 in New Zealand mosque shootings". WITN. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  33. ^ Sherwood, Sam; Kenny, Lee. "Christchurch mosque shootings: Man claims responsibility for shootings, records assault on video". Stuff.
  34. ^ "Facebook battles to stamp out horror footage of Christchurch shooting". Stuff. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  35. ^ Meade, Amanda (15 March 2019). "Australian media broadcast footage from Christchurch shootings despite police pleas". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  36. ^ "Armed police guard mosques around New Zealand". Stuff. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  37. ^ Edmunds, Susan (15 March 2019). "Air New Zealand cancels flights, offers 'flexibility'". Stuff.co.nz.
  38. ^ "Top level crisis meeting in Wellington after Christchurch mosque shooting". Stuff. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  39. ^ "Black Caps v Bangladesh test cancelled after gunmen attack Christchurch mosques". Stuff.co.nz.
  40. ^ "Bangladesh cricket team flees mosque shooting". City News 1130. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  41. ^ "Cricketers escape NZ mosque shooting". Cricket Australia. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  42. ^ "Bangladesh tour of New Zealand called off after Christchurch terror attack". ESPNcricinfo. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  43. ^ Kidd, Rod; Miller, Tim (15 March 2019). "Part of Dunedin street evacuated after report city was original target". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 15 March 2019. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  44. ^ "Mosque shootings: AOS on Dunedin street after report city was original target". New Zealand Herald. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  45. ^ "Live stream: 1 News at 6pm". 15 March 2019.
  46. ^ "PM on mosque shooting: 'One of New Zealand's darkest days'". Newstalk ZB. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  47. ^ "Christchurch shooting: 49 dead in terrorist attack at two mosques – live updates". Guardian. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  48. ^ Morrison, Scott. "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". Twitter. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  49. ^ "'We're not just allies': Scott Morrison says Australia grieves with New Zealand". YouTube. ABC News. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  50. ^ Shield, Bevan (15 March 2019). "Scott Morrison confirms Australian taken into custody after 'vicious, murderous' terrorist attack". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 March 2019. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  51. ^ "Two Malaysians injured in Christchurch shooting". The Straits Times. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  52. ^ "Two Malaysians injured in Christchurch mosque shootings". The Star. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  53. ^ Paton, Callum (15 March 2019). "PewDiePie 'Sickened' by New Zealand Mosque Shooter Telling Worshippers to Follow Him Before Opening Fire". Newsweek.
  54. ^ @realDonaldTrump (15 March 2019). "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!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  55. ^ Klimkin, Pavlo (15 March 2019). "We stay together with the people of New Zealand after the heinous mosque attacks in #Christchurch. My thoughts are with all affected by this sickening act of violence and hatred".
  56. ^ TASS: Russian Politics & Diplomacy - Putin condemns deadly terrorist attack in New Zealand
  57. ^ Khan, Imran [@ImranKhanPTI] (15 March 2019). "Shocked and strongly condemn the Christchurch, New Zealand, terrorist attack on mosques" (Tweet). Retrieved 15 March 2019 – via Twitter.
  58. ^ "Politician lashes out at Muslims after Christchurch shootings: 'They are the perpetrators'". News.com.au. 15 March 2019.
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