New Zealand police ordered a lockdown in Christchurch after a shooting at two mosques in the South Island city. Police have also warned that the shooter is still active. Police have said that 49 people died in the attack, and have also said that four people have been taken into custody. One of the suspects has been charged with murder.
"This is one of New Zealand's darkest days. It was an unprecedented act of violence," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. She also said that it was a terror attack.
New Zealand's police commissioner has said that are no longer actively searching for suspects.
The Bangladesh cricket team, in Christchurch to play a test match, was in the mosque but all members escaped unharmed, opening batsman Tamim Iqbal tweeted.
Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most members of the team were bussed to the mosque and were about to go inside when the incident happened. "They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he told AFP.
Here are the updates on the mosque shooting in Christchurch:
PM @narendramodi strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack at the places of worship in #Christchurch today https://t.co/6IviTxd2Pk pic.twitter.com/xCxNUpNNEL
- Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) 15 March 2019
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.
- Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 15, 2019
The #NewZealandShooting is a despicable act of terrorism, that must be condemned unequivocally. The world stands in need of compassion & understanding. Not bigotry & hate filled extremism. My condolences to the families of the victims. My prayers go out to those who were injured.
- Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 15, 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!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 15 March 2019
I strongly condemn the terror attack against the Al Noor Mosque in #NewZealand and Muslim worshippers. May Allah have mercy on the victims and grant a speedy recovery to the wounded.
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RT_Erdogan) March 15, 2019
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the unprecedented violent attacks on mosques in #christchurch #NewZealand. I would like to express my condolences to the families that lost loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Zealand.
- Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) March 15, 2019
Shocked and strongly condemn the Christchurch, New Zealand, terrorist attack on mosques. This reaffirms what we have always maintained: that terrorism does not have a religion. Prayers go to the victims and their families.
- Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2019
The gunman who opened fire inside a crowded mosque in New Zealand's Christchurch during afternoon prayers today, reportedly live streamed the entire incident, unverified footage of which has been circulating on social media. New Zealand police in a tweet acknowledging the circulation of "extremely distressing" footage, "strongly" urging users to not share it. Read the full story here
For so long I've watched world events from afar and naively thought we were somehow different in our little corner of the world, somehow safe. Today is a terrible day. Disgusted and saddened doesn't begin to describe it.
- Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) March 15, 2019
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the @BCBtigers has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe.
- BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 15, 2019
Police are aware there is extremely distressing footage relating to the incident in Christchurch circulating online. We would strongly urge that the link not be shared. We are working to have any footage removed.
- New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
All members of the Bangladesh Cricket Team in Christchurch, New Zealand are safely back in the hotel following the incident of shooting in the city. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is in constant contact with the players and team management.#christchurchMosqueAttack
- Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 15, 2019
Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque...we r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us
- Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) March 15, 2019
Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers #christchurchMosqueAttack
- Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) March 15, 2019
1/2 A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter.Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high.Police recommend that residents across Christchurch remain off...
- New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
