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Australia takes precautions after national carries out NZ mosque massacre
The gunman who killed 40 worshippers in two New Zealand mosques on Friday was a right-wing “terrorist” with Australian citizenship, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
“We stand here and condemn absolutely the attack that occurred today by an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist,” Morrison told a press conference.
He confirmed media reports that the gunman, who identified himself as Brenton Tarrant and mowed down worshippers in two mosques in the southern New Zealand city of Christchurch, was an Australian-born citizen.
Also read: 'Terrorism does not have a religion' — Pakistan condemns New Zealand mosque shootings
He said Australian authorities were investigating any links between the country and the attack, but declined to provide further details about the alleged shooter.
Australian media reported the gunman came from a town in New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital, and state police later said they were increasing patrols around NSW mosques in light of the Christchurch attacks.
The police described the move as a precaution as “there is no ongoing or specific threat to any mosque or place of worship” in the state.
An emotional Morrison offered his sympathies to Kiwis, and announced that flags in Australia would be flown at half-mast in memory of the victims.
“We are not just allies, we are not just partners, we are family,” he said.
New Zealand police detained three men after the attacks, but have not provided their identities.
“It is such a sad and devastating reminder of the evil that can be ever present about us,” Morrison said of the attacks.
Comments (21) Closed
Very responsible handling of the matter.
RIP. Should never happen
Terrorism has no religion.
NZ's sad incident shows that terrorist and their masterminds do not have faith, nationality, creed or cast - they are every where and have NO regards for love, peace and humanity. Simply, they are worse than animals, no matter where they live. (ACP - Gharib Awam ki Awaz).
All the countries need to stop issuing gun licenses to civilian population and crackdown on terrorists.
Australian and New Zealand PMs words is helping us heal after this terrorist attack.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
A terrorist is a terrorist. He doesn't belong to any religion because terrorism has no religion.
Why Australia did not ask and wait for actionable evidence from NZ?
Very responsible response from Australia, instead of just blaming on non-state actors and not doing anything.
A cowardly attack on children, women and unarmed men. Lets see what kind of justice is served!
@Simba, good point Simba,
@Simba, My personal opinion, they will investigate from both sides, and mutual sharing intelligence will give final report rather than just empty fire... whole world is shocked esp. NZ and Aust countries, as such kind of incidents rarely occur there. RIP and SOrry for Humanity Loss.
@Simba, What action has Australia taken exactly?
And the whole world cries...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
@Simba, because the person shooting people and filming was an AU national. In contrast the person who blew himself in Pulwama was an Indian national.
The worst terrorist activity without any reason.
Wise steps, especially when one of the right wing Australian senator is blaming Muslim immigrants responsible for the massacre!
Shud we stop sending our sports team to Australia and New Zealand after this attack citing security concerns
United we stand. His individual indeed was a terrorist.
Recently so many Indian students became victims of hate crimes by White racists and the Australian government did nothing!
@Simba: because the attacker was obviously an Australian citizen and not claimed by a group without any evidence whatsoever. Besides, the attacker wasnt fighting a war against an opressing force and hence had no motive, so to speak.