We’re going to wrap up the blog for the day, thank you for following along. Here’s what’s happened today:
- The New Zealand cabinet met through the morning to discuss reforming New Zealand’s gun laws in the wake of the shooting.
- After the meeting, Jacinda Ardern announced the cabinet had agreed “in principle” to reform the laws, but did not announce details of what these changes will be, saying details would be announced within 10 days of Friday’s attack.
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Ardern defended her government’s delay, saying there were “details to work through” and that after the Port Arthur massacre in Australia, the government of Australia took 12 days to make a decision around tightening gun laws.
- New Zealand’s police chief said they are certain there was only one attacker involved in the mass shooting, though added: “That doesn’t mean there weren’t possibly other people in support, and that continues to form a very, very important part of our investigation.”
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More than 250 detectives and experts are working on the investigation into Friday’s attack – the largest investigation in New Zealand’s history. They are working with assistance from the FBI and the Australian Federal Police.
- There were reports that this morning Indonesia called in its Australian ambassador to convey strong condemnation over Fraser Anning’s statements linking the shooting to fears about immigration. Speaking today, Australian senator Fraser Anning refused to apologise over the original comments he made, he repeated his calls for a ban on Muslim immigration and said he is not sorry for hitting the 17-year-old boy who egged him.
- Gun City managing director, David Tipple, confirmed that the suspected gunman bought four firearms online from its store. Tipple said the suspect should “absolutely not” have had a firearm, but attained them all legally and that his staff noticed nothing unusual about his purchases. However, Tipple resisted attempts to discuss gun laws, saying: “This man wrote in his manifesto that the purpose of using a firearm was to divide us. If we allow him to make changes in our ideology and our behaviour, he has won.”
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Two people injured in Friday’s shooting were released from Christchurch hospital today, 31 remain in hospital. The death toll remains at 50.
- Officials said they were working around the clock to ensure that all the bodies of those killed in the attack would be released to families by Wednesday, so that burials could take place. A team of Muslim experts has been working with police to ensure Muslim burial rites for the victims can be performed when authorities are ready to release the bodies.
With the kind cooperation of the @ChristchurchCC, I've uploaded the photo of Jacinda Ardern visiting the Muslim community to Commons under an open CC BY licence: https://t.co/wAXS85rMmT
— Mike Dickison (@adzebill) March 18, 2019
Please credit: 📷 Christchurch City Council Newsline/Kirk Hargreaves https://t.co/G1xa5qYVIA pic.twitter.com/OsObSXKWUV
Today the Prime Minister announced an inquiry into the attack, a move we at Police welcome.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 18, 2019
It is important we learn any lessons we can from this tragedy.
She also spoke about surrendering firearms.
As per existing processes we are happy for people to surrender their firearms to Police.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 18, 2019
We would ask that they please call their local Police Station or Arms officer first for advice on the safe transport of the firearm to Police and to alert our staff ahead of time, given the current situation.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 18, 2019
Finally, I want to thank the public for their overwhelmingly positive feedback and messages of support.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 18, 2019
I know it is greatly appreciated by our staff who work tirelessly to keep our community safe - @NZPCommissioner
An 18-year-old man was denied bail at a court in New Zealand on Monday after he was charged with distributing a live stream of the mass shooting at a mosque last week, the New Zealand Herald reported.
The man was arrested on Friday, but police have since said they do not believe he was directly involved in the attacks at two mosques in Christchurch which happened on the same day, in which 50 worshippers were killed.
He faces charges of sharing the gunman’s live-stream and posting a photograph of one of the mosques attacked with the message “target acquired” along with other chat messages “inciting extreme violence”, the Herald reported.
His request for bail was refused but the judge granted him name suppression. He is due back in court next month.
The teen was initially charged with publishing material insulting other races and ethnicities but that charge was withdrawn and replaced by the two new charges on Monday.
New Zealand mourns – in pictures
Indonesia calls in Australian ambassador over Anning comments
The ABC’s Indonesia correspondent reports that this morning Indonesia called in its Australian ambassador to convey strong condemnation over Fraser Anning’s statements.
This morning Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi summoned Australian Ambassador @DubesAustralia and conveyed strong condemnation of Fraser Anning's statement on Friday
— David Lipson (@davidlipson) March 18, 2019
Updated
The Australian government has issued updated travel advice for Australian tourists, warning them that “demonstrations and protests against Australia may occur” in response to the attack. Smartraveller warned Australians to “avoid demonstrations and protests, as they can turn violent” and to report suspicious behaviour.
The full advice is here:
The shocking and unprecedented events in Christchurch on 15 March continue to reverberate globally.
The terrorist attack, motivated by extreme right-wing ideology, has drawn strong condemnation internationally.
Demonstrations and protests against Australia may occur.
Australians travelling overseas should continue to use common sense, be vigilant and exercise caution. They should look out for and report suspicious behaviour, as they would in Australia. They should monitor the media and other sources for information about possible new safety or security threats, and follow the advice of local authorities. They should avoid demonstrations and protests, as they can turn violent.
Australia keeps its travel advisories under constant review, and will continue to assess whether the risks for Australians travelling have changed.
The safety and security of Australians in Australia and overseas is our highest priority.
There was definitely only one attacker involved in Friday's attack, police confirm
New Zealand’s police chief said on Monday that they are certain there was only one attacker involved in the mass shooting in Christchurch last week.
“I want to definitely state that we believe that there was only one attacker responsible for this horrendous event,” Police Commissioner Mike Bush told a media conference.
“That doesn’t mean there weren’t possibly other people in support, and that continues to form a very, very important part of our investigation,” he added.
Bush said this is the largest investigation ever undertaken by the New Zealand police, involving more than 200 NZ police and experts, as well as investigators from the FBI and the Australian Federal Police.
Bush said he the threat level in New Zealand remained high and New Zealanders would continue to see high vigilance from the police, to ensure everyone in New Zealand feels safe.
He also thanked the public for their “absolutely overwhelming positive support” to members of the police and emergency services. “It has been absolutely heartwarming, the commentary that we’re getting about our people... we could not be more proud of our people.”
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) has released a statement saying they welcome the inquiry into the Christchurch terrorist attacks, announced by Jacinda Ardern in her press conference this afternoon.
“I welcome the inquiry announced today. There are important questions which need answers,” said Rebecca Kitteridge, the director-general of security.
“We embrace the opportunity to learn from this terrible experience. Our work must often be carried out in secret, but I am a big believer in transparency where possible.
“I am always limited in what I can say about individuals and that’s especially the case while there is an active police investigation.
“The person charged with murder has not ever been brought to the attention of NZSIS and is not known to NZSIS or our Australian counterpart.
“Over the last nine months, NZSIS has increased its effort to obtain a better picture of the threat posed to New Zealand by far right extremist groups. The NZSIS has over recent years received a number of tips from the public concerning right wing extremism and has taken each one seriously.”
My colleague Helen Davidson has this story of the police officers who arrested the Christchurch shooting suspect. The officers, who were visiting from a rural Canterbury station have been praised as heroes for their actions.
The pair, who were in the city for a training session on dealing with armed offenders, represented the professionalism of the police force, said Chris Cahill, the president of the New Zealand Police Association. “The ability to make quick decisions to go forward and act made all police officers in New Zealand and around the world incredibly proud,” he said.
Police commissioner Mike Bush, said on Sunday the suspect was “non compliant”, and the officers – who remained unidentified – “had to use some force and tactical options”. “They put themselves in harm’s way to stop any further attack and I do believe they did prevent further attacks.”
What we learned from Jacinda Ardern's press conference
- Cabinet has agreed to “in principle decision” about reforming New Zealand’s gun laws, but Jacinda Ardern has not announced details of what these changes will be, saying that details would be announced within 10 days of Friday’s attack in which at least 50 people were killed.
- Ardern was expected to announce details of the proposed changes. Prior to the meeting Ardern said options included a ban on semi-automatic rifles/
- When asked about the delay, Ardern said: “There’s details to work through... These aren’t simple areas of law. So that’s simply what we’ll be taking the time to get right.”
- Ardern defended her government, saying that after the Port Arthur massacre in Australia, the government of Australia took 12 days to make a decision around tightening gun laws, and New Zealand had made an “in principle” decision in 72 hours.
- Ardern said the decision was backed by all of cabinet, including the NZ First party, led by Winston Peters, which are in a power-sharing arrangement, with Ardern saying “we are of one mind”. Peters’ party has previously opposed attempts to reform gun laws, but Peters said that after 1pm last Friday: “Our world changed forever and so will some of our laws.”
- Jacinda Ardern said that she had heard some reports of people handing in their guns to police and encouraged others to follow their lead. Asked about reports of people “panic-buying” weapons, Ardern said these were anecdotal and she would warn anyone considering buying a gun to “wait a few days” to hear the new laws, before making such an investment.
- Ardern said the government would also launch an inquiry into the events leading up to the shootings, including the alleged gunman’s travel and social media use.
- Ardern said that she had been given reassurances by intelligence services that all concerns voiced by Muslim citizens had been taken seriously and leads had been followed up, but that it wasn’t enough to pass on these reassurances, hence the inquiry.
- Ardern says police are looking into the “patterns of behaviour” that often follow attacks like this one, including retaliatory and copycat attacks. She says for this reason, New Zealand’s threat level will remain at “high”.
Does Christchurch have a problem with racism? asks a journalist.
Ardern says she wants to reiterate the comments of Winston Peters and remind people: “In this case, the primary suspect here, the person who was arrested was not a citizen of New Zealand.”
But she continues: “That is not to say that there are not those who live in New Zealand who have values and ideas and use language that is counter to what the vast majority of New Zealanders believe. We cannot ignore that. If we are to ensure the safety of Muslims and others, the 200 ethnicities in New Zealand, we have to be alive to the fact there are those who do not share our values of openness.”
A journalist says that Muslim leaders have said they have felt threatened for years and have had their threats ignored.
Jacinda Ardern says that she is aware of these reports, that she has been told by intelligence services that every lead given to authorities has been followed up on. However, Ardern says that it is not enough for her to simply pass on the reassurances of agencies and that is why there will be an inquiry into what led up to the attack.
Updated
Winston Peters has been asked about the use of the video live-stream of the attack by Turkish authorities.
Peters said he had made it clear to Turkish leaders that New Zealand would take it very seriously if there was any suggestion that New Zealand condoned the attack. He says the attack was perpetrated by someone who is not a New Zealander and that New Zealand condemns terrorism in any form.
“We did not start or bring about this disaster,” he said.
Updated
Ardern has been asked about reports that people have been “panic-buying” guns. Ardern says she has only heard anecdotal accounts of this and warns anyone considering buying a gun to wait a few days to get some certainty around the laws before investing.
Ardern says that Facebook and Instagram are continuing to remove any replicas of the video of the attack. But she says the fact the video was shared 1.5million times, shows there is scope to “take a very direct approach to speech that incites violence or that incites hate”.
“I would call on our social media platforms to demonstrate responsibility... There’s a lot of work that needs to be done.”
Ardern says they are looking into the “patterns of behaviour” that often follow attacks like this one, including retaliatory and copycat attacks.
She says for this reason, New Zealand’s threat level will remain at “high”.
Ardern says police and intelligence are taking a careful approach.
Ardern is being asked if this decision was supported by NZ First party, led by Winston Peters, who is the deputy prime minister and is standing next to Jacinda Ardern at the press conference.
Peters says that his party has previously not supported recommendations to restrict gun laws, but that after 1pm last Friday: “Our world changed forever and so will some of our laws.”
Updated
Ardern has been asked for more detail about the changes to gun laws. She says that the government has, within 72 hours of the attack, agreed to in- principle changes, and now they want to take a moment to make sure they have worked out all the details of the legislation.
Ardern is comparing New Zealand’s response time to the response time of the Australian government in introducing tougher gun laws after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
Updated
Ardern says that a heavy police presence will continue to be seen on New Zealand’s streets. This is not about a specific threat, she says, but so as to reassure people and keep them safe.
Updated
Families who have lost a loved one in the attack can apply for a funeral grant up to $NZ10,000 and there can be additional money for those who want to return their loved ones overseas, says Ardern.
Ardern says there will be a review of the events leading up to the attack and the work of the intelligence services, as well as the alleged gunman’s travel leading up to his time in New Zealand and his use of social media.
The form of the inquiry will be revealed at a later date.
The government has also had preliminary discussions around plans for commemorations of the victims of the two attacks.
Ardern says the memorial will not be held this week, so that families have an opportunity to grieve together.
Updated
Ardern says that the new laws are not aimed at any individual person and does not want them to be perceived as such.
She “applauds” those who have surrendered their weapons voluntarily and encourages others to do so.
Ardern says that the cabinet was “completely unified” in reforming legislation.
She says the attack was the worst in New Zealand’s history and one of the most serious around the world in recent history and that the attack exposed some serious problems in New Zealand’s gun laws.
New Zealand cabinet has made 'in principle decision' about reforming gun laws - Ardern
Jacinda Ardern says cabinet made in principle decisions about reforming gun laws, which means that within 10 days of the horrific attack, they will have reformed laws to make the country safer.
Updated
Jacinda Ardern is addressing the press now.
She praises the emergency services for their work and says she will meet with family members of those who have died, if they want her to.
We are continuing to update our piece naming the victims of the attack as information comes through about the people who died.
A gofundme page set up to help raise money to cover the legal fees of the 17-year-old who egged Fraser Anning has raised more than $43,000.
Police released the boy without charge, although they have said they will investigate Anning striking and punching the boy in retaliation before the teenager was tackled to the ground and restrained by bystanders.
The boy, whom the Guardian is not naming because he is underage, has said he will donate most of the money to the victims of the Christchurch shooting.
Updated
Two lovely tributes here for the victims of the attacks in Christchurch on Friday. The first is from students and staff at Orewa College in Auckland, who form the Māori phrase ‘Kia Kaha’ (stay strong) and a love heart.
The second comes from students of the St Paul’s College Samoan Group who performed this Methodist hymn which was also sung in Samoa after the tsunami struck in 2009 killing 22 people.
The group were in Auckland for Polyfest , a large event featuring music, dance, speech and costume, from different Pacific Island cultures. Polyfest was held last week, but the final day was cancelled due to the Christchurch attack.
“Nothing will compare to the pain and agony that’s going down in Christchurch,” said AJ Tuipe’a, Deputy Head Boy, St Paul’s College, before the group performed the song.
“Despite Polyfest being cancelled, even throughout our 6 long weeks of hard work, nothing will compare to the pain & agony that’s going down in Christchurch” - AJ Tuipe’a, Deputy Head Boy, St Pauls College pic.twitter.com/KBUMf6rpn0
— The Coconet (@TheCoconetTV) March 16, 2019
Christchurch hospital encourages people to look after their mental health
David Meates, chief executive, Canterbury District Health Board, also had a message for people emotionally affected by the attack, saying they should look after themselves and those around them:
As the majority of us return to work and school today, it’s probably more important than ever that we connect, share our thoughts and experiences, and help each other process what has happened. Spend time with people you love and talk about how you’re feeling. Consider taking a digital detox and take a break from social media. Instead, focus on an activity you love or on the people around you.
Look after yourself and those around you and remember that people cope in different ways. Disasters and tragedies take their toll and our resilient Canterbury people have been through much in recent times. For some that may make things easier because of the coping skills they have learned, but for others it may bring back unwelcome feelings or add to their anxiety. Feeling on edge and upset right now is a completely normal reaction. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, so allow yourselves time and be kind to yourself and others – a simple kind act or generosity of spirit and the support you give others might come at just the right time to make all the difference to them.
Supporting our kids and whānau
- Children take their cues of parents — so if you’re OK, they’ll be OK too …
- Be mindful how much “worry” you’re displaying, just be as cool as you can!
- Keep children away from the media.
- Answer their questions pretty matter-of-factly and in very “general” terms. Drama it down. You don’t have to get the answers exactly right here. Ensure you talk too about the police and how they did a really good job of keeping us safe. Keep the reassurance low-key too – over-reassuring can make us think we need to be worrying more than we are!
- Let them talk about it, but don’t let it “take over” – use distraction to keep their mind off it.
- Stick to your normal routines as much as you can.
If you want to talk to a trained counsellor, you can phone or text 1737 to be put through to a counsellor any time of the day or night. This is a free service for everyone.
Updated
Two people injured in the attack discharged from hospital today, 31 remain in hospital
We currently have 31 patients who were injured in the mosque attacks in Christchurch Hospital. Two people were well enough to go home and have been discharged today.
There are still 9 people in a critical condition in intensive care. We continue to transfer any that are well enough to go to other wards as we can. People injured in the mosque attacks are our priority for surgery and other specialist care over the coming days. There is still a 4 year old girl in a critical condition in Starship Hospital in Auckland, transferred there on Saturday. Her father has also been transferred to Auckland and remains in a serious but stable condition.
Christchurch Hospital has good capacity at present and we are well-staffed, but we are also conscious that many of our people have worked long hours and will have been profoundly affected by this tragedy too. We need to look after them so they can look after you.
We are still asking the public to appreciate the additional workload on all of our health system staff. The hospital is extremely busy, as is primary care – you should continue to make your general practice team your first point of call for all non-urgent care. Call the usual general practice number 24/7 and after hours, you can get advice from a nurse – they will tell you what to do and where to go if you need to be seen.
Today we are running all available acute theatres for the many people who need follow-up surgery or procedures due to the complex nature of their injuries.
This means that we are postponing a significant number of surgeries planned for Cantabrians and others to free up theatre space and surgical teams today. To those who have had their surgery postponed, thank you in advance for your generosity and understanding.
Outpatient appointments are going ahead as planned.
Updated
President of the Islamic Associations New Zealand Mustafa Farouk, has spoken about the desire for Muslims in Christchurch to have the bodies returned for burial.
“While our community is mourning, we are saddened, we are shocked, but as a community we are a resilient community. We know we are living in a country where we are welcome. One of the most beautiful, most peaceful countries in the world.”
He says it is for this reason that he thinking the “right-wing individuals” behind these attacks chose New Zealand.
“They picked our country for the same reason that we pride ourselves when we got and think it is the best country in the world... They want to bring friction, hatred, division in our country.”
The leader says he has a message for those who want to sow hate: “They have failed woefully, because what they have done, if anything, is increase the love and the feeling we have for our country.
“We have also felt the enormous outpouring of love, what we call aroha in New Zealand. There are no words to express the aroha we have experienced.”
Updated
Police deputy commissioner Wally Haumaha has spoken to the press. He says they have been working through the night to try to get the bodies of the victims back to their families and to be ready for burial.
He says two important blessings took place at the mosques where the attacks occurred, in preparation to reopen those mosques, when investigations are concluded.
Police are hoping the mosques will be able to be open once again at the end of the week.
Updated
New Zealand Jacinda Ardern is set to give a press conference at 4pm local time (in about one minute). We’ll have the updates of her press conference as soon as it’s live.
For those affected by Friday’s events, crisis support services can be reached 24 hours a day. In New Zealand, Lifeline can be reached on 0800 543 354. In Australia, Lifeline is 13 11 14. In the UK and Irish Republic, contact Samaritans on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
Our reporters Melissa Davey and Eleanor Ainge Roy are on the ground in Christchurch and they say police commissioner Mike Bush has urged locals to return to their normal lives, to remain “vigilant” but to reject fear and reclaim the streets of their city.
But it was hard for residents to embrace routine and normality when a fleet of diggers were fanning out around the city, striking sodden autumn earth to prepare 50 graves for the burials of the victims that would begin on Monday. Experts in Islamic burial rights also converged on the city.
A steady stream of mourners brought wreaths to lay at Linwood mosque, targetted on Friday by the gunman, where a blessing was held on Monday morning.
Then there were the hundreds upon hundreds of flowers lying on the grass on Dean’s Avenue, near Al Noor mosque.
Updated
Scott Morrison has ended his speech now with a Maori blessing, which means “stay strong”.
“That’s my plan for Australia,” says Morrison.
Updated
Morrison is in electioneering mode now, saying he’ll visit the governor general soon “not for a cup of tea, well, we might have a cup of tea, but to ask him to call an election”.
He’s talking about returning the budget to surplus, having a strong economy to provide services to all Australians without raising taxes.
“Now is not the time for economic experiments, if it ever is,” he says.
On he goes, it’s the Liberal party sales pitch.
“Debate about immigration is not the same as the debate about the value of multiculturalism,” said Morrison, who is reassuring the audience that having concern about managing immigration, particularly in a city like Melbourne, does not make people racist.
“Just because Australians are frustrated by traffic jams does not mean they are anti-migrant and racist ... We cannot allow legitimate debates to be hijacked,” he said.
Morrison says the debate can be hijacked by either side of politics, and condemned those who used debates on immigration to stoke fear and hatred towards migrants.
Updated
“If we have a culture of us and them ... we will lose what makes diversity work in Australia and what makes us the most successful multicultural society in the world,” says Morrison.
“The retreat to tribalism is taking over and for some the retreat to extremism is taking over.”
Morrison says “this is true of the left and the right” and is especially true for those “shouting from the fringes” at the the “mainstream of quiet Australians who just want to get on with their life”.
“Contempt is defined by the philosophy of the unsullied conviction in the worthlessness of another. That is where mindless tribalism takes us.
“Last week it entered the lives of 50 fellow human beings including children who simply entered a mosque to pray.”
Updated
Morrison announces $55m for security upgrades at religious sites and schools
Morrison has announced an additional $55m in community safety funds.
He says priority will be given to places of worship and religious schools, and the money will go towards spending on security, including CCTV cameras.
“When I say I believe in religious freedom... I know it has to start with the right to worship in safety, without fear of violence.”
Updated
Morrison says that as time goes by answers will come as to how the alleged gunman went without detection and is reiterating how little time the alleged gunman spent in Australia over the last few years and travelled widely, consuming a “smorgasbord of hate”.
“Where and how did his vile radicalisation take place? During the last three years the terrorist spent just 45 days in Australia, travelling extensively overseas.
“What laws need to change, what additional actions and precautions need to be taken? Answers to those questions will come with time, and must.
“Such questions are practical and necessary and can be posed and considered without the need for defensiveness or blame.
Updated
Morrison says that there have been prayers for “our Muslim brothers and sisters” in churches and synagogues, and people of all faiths and no faiths have reached across the ditch with thoughts and help.
Morrison says Australia has offered all assistance to New Zealand, saying New Zealand’s police and emergency responses are “world-class” but Australia’s offer shows the scale of the problem.
Scott Morrison says Australians are ashamed of what happened in Christchurch
Scott Morrison is speaking in Melbourne and says the people of Australia are “rightly horrified and devastated and indeed ashamed” of what happened in Christchurch.
A terrorist attack committed by an Australian. “It’s hard to say,” says Morrison.
“New Zealand is family,” he says. “Like family we often squabble, we sometimes tease each other, but always when threatened, we stand together.”
“A country of good people, with a good heart,” says Morrison of New Zealand.
Updated
#BREAKING Christchurch teenager charged with distributing mosque rampage livestream: court pic.twitter.com/ApXXzgT2mt
— AFP news agency (@AFP) March 18, 2019
Gun City managing director, David Tipple, who has confirmed that four firearms were purchased by the alleged gunman from its stores, is telling the press conference that Gun City did not sell the rifle used in the incident.
“I watched the video and saw the rifle... and it was not from any Gun City-affiliated store,” he said.
However, Tipple said he was not able to verify whether the shotgun used was bought from Gun City.
Tipple says all sales to the alleged gunman were online sales, over three or four orders, the first of which was about a month after the alleged gunman gained his gun license and the last was in March 2018.
Tipple is resisting attempts from journalists to ask about gun laws.
“This particular day is not about the gun debate,” said Tipple, despite the fact that Jacinda Ardern’s cabinet is currently meeting to discuss changing gun laws.
“Today, let’s talk about how these families are dealing with these tragedies committed by this madman.”
“This man wrote in his manifesto that the purpose of using a firearm was to divide us. If we allow him to make changes in our ideology and our behaviour, he has won.”
Tipple adds: “I had my grandson say to me: ‘Granddad, why do people think the guns were the problem? The guy was crazy.’ He is six years old.”
Updated
Alleged gunman bought four firearms online, gun shop confirms
The alleged gunman bought four “A category” firearms and ammunition from Gun City online, said David Tipple, managing director of the store.
“All Gun City sales to this individual followed a police-verified online mail order process,” said David Tipple.
“I returned from Europe on Saturday and immediately searched all our purchase records and found the alleged gunman’s purchases. I provided the police with full details of the sales.
“We detected nothing extraordinary about this license holder.”
Tipple also confirmed that the military-style semi-automatic weapon used by the alleged gunman was not purchased at Gun City.
He said that Gun City would cooperate fully with the police, but urged journalists at the press conference not to ask questions that would turn the conversation into a “debate on guns”.
Tipple said he and Gun City staff extended their sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives.
“This tragedy has devastated us all,” said Tipple.
Updated
Australian senator Fraser Anning has held a press conference in which he discussed his comments after the Christchurch shooting linking the event to fears about immigration. He has been roundly condemned for the comments, and faces a censure in the Senate when parliament resumes.
In his press conference today, Anning refused to apologise over the original comments he made, he repeated his calls for a ban on Muslim immigration and said he is not sorry for hitting the 17-year-old boy who egged him.
Updated
Four hundred people attended a vigil at Tempelhof Field, Berlin, on Sunday evening to
show solidarity with Muslim communities in light of the terrorist attack in Christchurch.
The event was organised by a group of New Zealanders living in Berlin. While much of the crowd came from New Zealand and Australia, many were from elsewhere, including
Germany, Syria, Palestine, The United States of America, The United Kingdom and Turkey.
Berlin vigil co-organiser Jessica Reeves said, “We organised this event here in Berlin to
show the Muslim community all over the world that we stand with them. Instead of
experiencing grief in isolation we hope people found strength and support in one another.”
New Zealand poet and musician Hinemoana Baker performed Whakaaria mai, and
after a minute of silence for the victims of the terrorist attack, led the 400-strong crowd in the waiata Te Aroha. Following the vigil, much of the crowd remained until sundown, meeting each other and chatting over tea and biscuits.
Co-organiser Hugh McDonald said, “Christchurch can feel a long way away from Berlin, so it felt comforting to come together as an international community to support one another and those affected.”
Vigil goer Jess Baker said, “The vigil warmed my heart. It was an important way for me to grieve for the New Zealand Muslim community from abroad.”
Trade Me, an auction and sales website in New Zealand, similar to Gumtree, has halted sales of semi-automatic weapons through its site, in the wake of the attacks, in response to public sentiment after the attack.
Trade Me CEO Jon Macdonald said: “We’re obviously still reeling, like all New Zealanders, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families and friends.
“We’ve had a lot of contact from Kiwis over the weekend about this issue, and many felt that we should stop the sale of these items in the wake of this attack. We’ve listened to these sentiments and we’ve put this ban in place while we await clear direction from the Government.”
Trade Me already restricted the types of firearms that can be listed to ‘A’ category firearms in sporting configuration, as commonly used by hunters, recreational shooters or in rural communities as tools on farms.
It does not allow the sale of military style semi-automatic weapons, parts which could change an ‘A’ category firearm into a military style semi-automatic weapons, pistols, or restricted weapons.
“But it is clear public sentiment has changed in relation to semi-automatic weapons and we acknowledge that, which is why we’re putting this ban in place,” said Macdonald. “There is a bit of work involved in doing this but we will have these listings removed later today.”
A cartoon in today’s New Zealand Herald.
Nazis and racists online - cartoon by @GuyKeverneBody in today's Herald about the complicity of those stoking hatred: pic.twitter.com/KSJsFjpnGW
— Bryce Edwards (@bryce_edwards) March 17, 2019
Former Australian race discrimination commissioner Tim Soutphommasane, has called on the Australian media to “wake up” and evaluate the way it covers far-right views.
Soutphommasane tweeted a video from breakfast television show Sunrise, in which host David Koch asked Senator Pauline Hanson whether she felt complicit in the Christchurch shootings. Hanson disputed this and then argued Australia had lost its identity, Australian people lived in fear of terrorism and warned that Australia not become like the UK, France and Sweden.
Wake up, Australian media. Giving hate-mongers helped create the conditions for this atrocity to take place. You can scrutinise far-right extremists without giving them yet more free air to spread their hate. Stop being complicit https://t.co/xodIXj70qL
— Tim Soutphommasane (@timsout) March 17, 2019
The first funerals of those killed in Friday’s shootings are expected to be held today, the ABC are reporting.
New Zealand immigration authorities have said they will fast-track visa applications for the families of people killed or injured in the Christchurch mosque massacre.
Immigration New Zealand’s Steve McGill said he wanted to make things as easy as possible for people to lay their loved ones to rest or support family members injured in the mass shooting on Friday.
“These are unprecedented circumstances for everyone and INZ is committed to ensuring we do everything we can to support those who have been affected and make the visa application process as smooth as possible,” he said on Monday.
Relatives are planning funerals for those killed in the terror attack, with Islamic tradition dictating that bodies be buried as soon as possible after death.
Authorities expect to be able to release all the bodies to their families by Wednesday.
Immigration authorities are also working through possible options for people on temporary visas who have been affected by the attack.
Penny Wong, Australia’s shadow minister for foreign affairs, gave a speech lat night at the vigil for the victims of the Christchurch shooting at Marion mosque at Park Holme, near Adelaide.
The full text of the speech is here:
We gather here tonight in a time of great sorrow and a time of great sadness.
We gather to mourn the tragic and senseless murder of fifty people – mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters – Attacked in their place of worship as they came together for Friday prayers, a sacred time.
We gather to show compassion and support to friends and families of those lost, and all those injured and recovering.
We gather in solidarity with the people of New Zealand and with the Muslim community, the Muslim peoples everywhere.
On Friday we saw horrific acts of violence. They were acts of terrorism, and at their core, they were acts of hatred. This terrorist was welcomed into the Mosque as a brother and he responded with hate, and with bullets.
He is an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist but most of all he does not represent Australian values. He is not who we are.
So to the Muslim community here and across this nation, we know that you are experiencing great pain and sorrow and we stand with you. We abhor these acts of extremist violence.
We reject the extreme right-wing ideology, the hatred and the intolerance, that led to these acts of extremist violence. But most importantly we reject hatred in all its forms.
Together we stand for Australian values of inclusion, acceptance and respect; a belief in equality; the rejection of racism; the rejection of prejudice; the rejection of division. These are the values of our Australia and this is the nation in which we have faith.
We have seen some shameful comments by a Senator, who I will not name, a shameful and pathetic attempt by a man who has never been elected, to get attention by exploiting our diversity as a fault line for political advantage.
This Senator does not speak for us. He does not speak for Australia and he does not represent Australian values but he does do one thing, he reminds us how important it is that we all stand together united against hatred.
Leaders – political, community, religious, all of us – stand united against hatred. Because we saw tragically in the loss of life on Friday where hatred leads us.
We here today know these truths. We know that a nation that is divided is never stronger. We know that making others lesser, fanning prejudice and discrimination, has never made a nation safer. We know that no group within our society is immune from the effects of hatred.
And we know it is the responsibility of all of us to stand against hatred in all its forms, and embrace tolerance, acceptance and honour our shared humanity.
In the aftermath of Friday’s attacks, the Imam Hasan Centre issued a statement and I believe the sentiments deserve reflection tonight.
“It is times like this that we lose hope and doubt humanity, when people of faith come under attack in such a way, it shows us how low humanity can fall. However, it never ceases to amaze how far humanity can rise after such despicable events”.
“United as a community, we can overcome these barbaric events wherever they happen. Divided we become barbaric ourselves and the innocent lives lost around the world should be a sign for us to unite against hate.”
So now friends, this is the time to show those who seek to divide us just how far humanity can rise.
To the people of New Zealand, and in particular the New Zealand Islamic community, your Australian family grieves with you. Like you we mourn the tragic and senseless loss of life. We stand with you in this time of sorrow and sadness and we commit to stand against hatred in all its forms.
And by being here tonight it is an act by all of you, an act of faith, to demonstrate that we work together towards a society where all are welcome, where all may live in peace and security.
Because we here tonight know that respect and hope are greater than fear, and that love is greater than hate.
Christchurch locals are returning to work today after a weekend reeling from the shootings on Friday. One local, Marianne Mccormick described her journey as she rode past the Botanical Gardens, near Al Noor mosque, one of the sights of the shooting, on the her way to work and described what she saw.
“I rode my bike to work this morning and went past the thousands of flowers and messages, I stopped my bike and walked past it all slowly and wanted to cry, it makes me so emotional, it makes the whole city emotional.”
She also said the helicopters haven’t stopped since the attacks and that is all that Christchurch locals can hear at night.
Biker gang performs haka in tribute to Christchurch shooting victims
The organisers of New Zealand’s largest gun show say they have cancelled the event to show respect for victims of the Christchurch massacre and because of “elevated security risks”.
Jacinda Ardern vowed to tighten gun laws after the attack and the New Zealand cabinet are currently meeting to discuss changes to the legislation. She says banning private ownership of semi-automatic rifles, which were used to devastating effect in Friday’s attack on two Christchurch mosques, is an option.
The Kumeu Militaria Show, near Auckland, has been held for about five years.
In a statement announcing cancellation of the 23 March event, organisers say the show aims to support servicemen and women and promote interest in New Zealand’s military history.
Updated
The front page of the New Zealand Herald for Monday March 18, 2019 @nzherald @ShayneCurrieNZH You are in our thoughts at @TheSundayIndo @Independent_ie pic.twitter.com/JHQYblTuVi
— CormacBourke (@cormacbourke) March 17, 2019
And here is the coverage from some of the other New Zealand papers.
I'm impressed and moved by third-day coverage front pages from New Zealand after Friday's Mosque shooting. Death toll is now up to 50. That New Zealand Herald front -- the one with the hearts -- is amazing. pic.twitter.com/6QysLaBNS5
— Charles Apple (@charlesapple) March 17, 2019
Jacinda Ardern has spoken with British prime minister Theresa May, who offered New Zealand any assistance needed in the wake of Friday’s shootings.
“The leaders discussed the swift and exemplary response of New Zealand’s security and health services and the numerous acts of bravery carried out by police and other first responders,” a spokesperson for May said in a statement.
Meanwhile in Manchester in the UK, two people have been charged, after a taxi driver was subjected to abuse and threats that referenced the New Zealand terrorist attacks.
Natalie Rudman, 34, and Sean Allen, 33, have been charged with a section 4 racially aggravated public order offence.
They have been bailed to appear at Manchester magistrates court on 9 April.
Shortly before 12.20am on 17 Sunday March, police were called to Queensway, Rochdale, following a report that passengers had referenced the New Zealand terrorist attacks while abusing and threatening a taxi driver.
Updated
New Zealand’s cabinet are meeting this morning to begin work to change gun laws.
Prime minster Jacinda Ardern said on Sunday that gun regulation would be discussed at Monday’s cabinet meeting, telling reporters: “We cannot be deterred from the work we need to do on our gun laws in New Zealand. They need to change.”
It is alleged that the suspect in the attack, Australian Brenton Tarrant, had a firearms licence and five guns.
Civilians in New Zealand own an estimated 1.2m firearms, making the country’s per capita rate of gun ownership higher than Australia’s, but still far below the US.
Updated
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage as New Zealand continues to reel from Friday’s deadly attack in Christchurch.
Australian police said they had executed two search warrants in towns on the New South Wales mid-north coast related to the investigation into Friday’s mass shootings at mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.
Police said that at around 8:30 am on Monday a search warrant was executed by the New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) at a home in the town of Sandy Beach, near Coffs Harbour, and shortly after another warrant was executed at a home in Lawrence, near Maclean.
“The primary aim of the activity is to formally obtain material that may assist New Zealand Police in their ongoing investigation,” the Australian federal police and NSW police said in a joint statement.
They said the family of the Australian man arrested in Christchurch were assisting police.
“The community can be assured that there is no information to suggest a current or impending threat related to the search warrants,” the statement said.
Updated
