49 dead in terror attack at New Zealand mosques: Live updates - CNN

New Zealand terror attack at mosques in Christchurch: Live updates - CNN

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less than 1 min ago

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will visit Christchurch after attack

From CNN's Samantha Beech

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she will travel to Christchurch alongside other politicians, following the terror attack on two mosques.

“As is the entire nation, we are all unified in grieving together,” she said at a news conference.

At least 49 people were killed in the carefully planned attack.

Three people were arrested in connection with the shootings. A 28-year-old man was charged with murder and will appear in court Saturday morning local time. Two others were arrested on suspicion of possession of firearms. Police were investigating their ties to the incident, New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said.

27 min ago

New Zealand's prime minister warns people not to share distressing video of attack

From CNN's Samantha Beech

New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern warned people not to share distressing video of the Christchurch terror attack online.

For at least 17 minutes on Friday, a suspected terrorist streamed to Facebook live video of the mass shooting, which killed at least 49 people.

“Police are aware of distressing material relating to this event being online and are reminding people it is an offense to distribute objectionable material," Ardern said at a news conference in Wellington.

33 min ago

Trump refers to mosque shootings as "terror attacks"

From CNN's Jeremy Diamond

President Trump referred to the attacks at a pair of mosques in New Zealand as "terror attacks" during remarks in the Oval Office on Friday.

"I spoke with Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand to express the sorrow of our entire nation following the monstrous terror attacks at two mosques," Trump said, speaking from behind the Resolute Desk.

This was the first time the President has classified the attacks as terrorism.

"These sacred places of worship were turned into scenes of evil killing," Trump said. "We've all seen what went on. It's a horrible, horrible thing."

34 min ago

New Zealand's prime minister vows to change country's gun laws

From CNN's Samantha Beech

New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the country’s gun laws will change in response to a hate-filled terror attack targeting two mosques in Christchurch.

“There were five guns used by the primary perpetrator. There were two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns. The offender was in possession of a gun license. I’m advised this was acquired in November of 2017. A lever action firearm was also found," she said at a news conference in Wellington early Saturday local time.

She continued:

“While work is being done as to the chain of events that lead to both the holding of this gun license and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now. Our gun laws will change.”

55 min ago

Terror suspect "did not develop his hatred" in New Zealand, mayor says

From CNN’s Taylor Barnes

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the suspect who carried out a terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday targeted New Zealand for its reputation for being a safe space.

“I think the reason that we have been targeted — and this was, as I understand it, a deliberate decision to target our city and our country — was because we are a safe city and a safe country,” Dalziel said at a news conference.

Dalziel also emphasized that the suspect is not from New Zealand.

“This sort of extremism is not something that we’ve seen here. But he is not from here,” she said. “He came here with hate in his heart and intention to kill in his mind. So he did not develop his hatred here. He came here to perform this act of terrorism.”

51 min ago

President Trump on white nationalism: Not a rising threat around the world

From CNN's Kevin Liptak

President Trump said Friday he does not see white nationalism as a rising threat around the world.

“I don’t really. I think it’s a small group of people that have very, very serious problems, I guess. If you look what happened in New Zealand, perhaps that’s the case. I don’t know enough about it yet…But it’s certainly a terrible thing," Trump said.

He was asked about the topic after a shooter in New Zealand killed at 49 people, leaving behind a manifesto with white nationalist writing.

Trump said he had not seen the manifesto.

1 hr 15 min ago

One suspect charged with murder, two others still in custody, police say

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said three people were arrested following the mass shooting in Christchurch:

"A 28-year-old man will appear in Christchurch District Court today charged with murder. Two others remain in custody. Our investigations are in their early stages and we will be looking closely to build a picture of any of the individuals involved and all of their activities prior to this horrific event."

1 hr 14 min ago

New Zealand police commissioner says 42 people were injured in attack

From Matthew McKew

Forty-nine people were killed and 42 were being treated for injuries following the mosque terror attacks, New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said.

New Zealand police also said that two of those injured are critical and include a 4-year-old child. Police said 41 people were killed at the Deans Avenue mosque, and seven at the Linwood Avenue mosque. One has since died in hospital.

Bush went on to say police officials are continuing to make inquiries after the tragic events in Christchurch.

“As the Prime Minister stated yesterday, this has been designated a terrorist attack,” Bush said on a message posted on New Zealand police's Twitter account.

1 hr 48 min ago

Here's what we know about the suspected New Zealand shooter

The suspected New Zealand shooter live streamed video of the attack and posted a manifesto online under the name Brenton Tarrant. CNN has not confirmed this is his real name. This is the name he called himself online. New Zealand police have not publicly identified the shooter.

Here's what we know about the suspect:

He is 28 years old.
Just before the attack, an account believed to belong to the gunman posted a link to an 87-page white nationalist manifesto online. The unsigned manifesto is filled with anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments, as well as explanations for an attack.
In the manifesto, he identifies himself as a white man, born in Australia, and lists the white nationalists who have inspired him.
He will appear in court Saturday morning local time.

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