New Zealand, a country famous as one of the peaceful countries in the world just witnessed a recent event of Islamophobia and far-right terrorism. On Friday, March 15, 2019 gunmen entered two mosques in Christchurch and shot the Muslims who were there to offer Friday prayer. The gruesome incident left almost 50 people dead with more than twenty injured.
In a press conference, this morning New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned the attack and termed the incident as an unprecedented violence.
What Was the Christchurch Shooting All About?
At about 1:42 pm New Zealand time a gunman entered a mosque on church street and Linwood Street in Christchurch where Muslims were offering their Friday prayers. He started live shooting at them killing and injuring many while live streaming massacre on phone.
Bangladesh cricket team which is in New Zealand was about to reach one of the mosques for offering Friday prayer but returned upon hearing the sound of gunshot.
Fortunately, the team members were safe.
According to media reports that quoted Police sources, this attack was well thought out and planned. The suspects knew when to strike and where to strike. Three males and one female are in custody for having a connection to the crime.One male in his late 20’s is charged with murder.
Furthermore, multiple IED’s were found in cars close to the mosques which needed to be defused said the police chief, He requested people in other parts of New Zealand not to go to the mosque as they may also get attacked.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern while condemning the Christchurch shooting said that the attack carried out today is the deadliest attack in New Zealand history and the actions of the perpetrators do not represent the culture and value of New Zealand.
The Bangladeshi cricket team which was due to play against New Zealand this Saturday narrowly managed to escape the scene through the park and get to their hotel.
How Are People Reacting to Christchurch Shooting?
People are shocked at what has happened and fear for their lives. While talking to the media, a resident said that I’m 66 yrs old and I never thought that I would live to see such carnage unfold in front of me. I tried my best to say as many lives as possible .i wish I could have done more
Many Muslims are being advised to exercise patience and stay away from extreme emotions.
People are calling out world leaders two-faced as they can unite and hold a march to condemn the 17 people killed in France but can’t unite in condemning the heinous act which resulted in the death of 49 innocent people
Celebrities have also expressed their sorrow on this gruesome act.
Leaders from other countries have condemned the incident as well.
Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn also condemned the terror attack.
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