New Zealand's prime minister vowed to toughen the country's gun laws after revealing on Saturday that the man accused of murdering 49 people in two mosques legally purchased the arsenal of firearms used in the massacre.
Twenty-eight-year-old gunman Brenton Tarrant, an Australian national has been accused of murder and will be presented in court today. PM Jacinda Ardern said the gunman, 28-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant, obtained a "Category A" gun licence in November 2017 and began purchasing the five weapons used in Friday's attacks in the southern city of Christchurch the following month.
Forty-nine people died and at least 20 were injured in a terror attack in New Zealand's Christchurch during Friday prayers. Three people were arrested. The police said the attacks were racially motivated. The Indian High Commission said nine Indians were reportedly missing.
Here are the LIVE Updates on Christchurch mosque shooting:
The firearms included two semi-automatic rifles, two shotguns and a lever-action weapon, PM Ardern said. "The mere fact... that this individual had acquired a gun licence and acquired weapons of that range, then obviously I think people will be seeking change, and I'm committing to that," she said.
"While work is being done as to the chain of events that led to both the holding of this gun licence, and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now -- our gun laws will change."
A pair of rural New Zealand police officers dramatically arrested the suspected Christchurch gunman 36 minutes after authorities were alerted, it emerged Saturday, as the prime minister hailed their bravery. "The offender was mobile, there were two other firearms in the vehicle that the offender was in, and it absolutely was his intention to continue with his attack," Ms Ardern said.
Brenton Tarrant has been charged with murder. The former fitness instructor and self-professed fascist occasionally turned to look at media present in court during the brief hearing that the public were excluded from for security reasons.
We strongly condemn the dastardly terrorist attacks at the places of worship in Christchurch. Our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families. /1
- Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 15, 2019
Just spoke with Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, regarding the horrific events that have taken place over the past 24 hours. I informed the Prime Minister....
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019
....that we stand in solidarity with New Zealand - and that any assistance the U.S.A. can give, we stand by ready to help. We love you New Zealand!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019
The Friday massacre at two New Zealand mosques, live-streamed to the world, was not the first time that violent crimes have been broadcast on the internet, but trying to stop the spread of a video once it has been posted online has turned into a virtual game of whack-a-mole. The livestream of the mass shooting lasted for 17 minutes.
