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Axios
Axios
World
Rebecca Falconer

Christchurch attacks: Suspect charged with terrorism offense

An art tribute of a Māori woman in a headscarf featuring New Zealand's national flag in Christchurch on May 3. Photo: Sanka Vidanagama/AFP/Getty Images

The Australian man accused of killing 51 people in 2 New Zealand mosques faces fresh charges including engaging in a Terrorist Act, Christchurch police said Tuesday.

Details: Police said in a statement they'd also filed another murder charge and 2 additional attempted murder offenses against Brenton Harrison Tarrant, 28, — bringing the total charges of murder and attempted murder to 51 and 40, respectively. The death toll from the Christchurch attacks rose to 51 after a Turkish national died of his injuries this month.


Why it matters: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the suspect a terrorist soon after the March 15 shootings. But this is the first charge to allege that a terrorist act was carried out in the South Island's most populous city.

Go deeper: Facebook live-stream overhaul in response to New Zealand attacks

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