New Zealand police have defused several improvised explosive devices found attached to vehicles in Christchurch
Dozens of victims in shootings at 2 New Zealand mosques, 4 suspects in custody
Published time: 15 Mar, 2019 01:46 Edited time: 15 Mar, 2019 08:43
New Zealand police have defused several improvised explosive devices found attached to vehicles in Christchurch following mass shootings at two mosques that left 49 people dead.
The shooter entered the Masjid Al Noor mosque 10 minutes after prayers began and let off “dozens, if not hundreds of rounds,” witness Ahmad al-Mahmoud told New Zealand outlet Stuff. He described the man as white-skinned, blond, short, and wearing a helmet and bulletproof vest.
We have a critical incident in Deans Ave Christchurch. Please avoid the area. We will give more in the near future.
— Canterbury Police NZ (@NZPCanterbury) March 15, 2019
A second shooting took place at Linwood Masjid, where a witness says they saw a man leave the mosque wearing camouflage gear and a motorcycle helmet, while unconfirmed reports indicate a bomb was found on nearby Strickland Ave.
A Muslim local reportedly chased the gunmen off from the Linwood mosque, firing two shots at them as they drove off.
Four suspects are currently in custody, including one woman, and public facilities remain on lockdown while police are urging mosques elsewhere in New Zealand to close their doors for the remainder of the day. One of those detained has been confirmed to be an Australian citizen.
PM Ardern has confirmed that none of the suspects were on security watch lists.
“I want to ask anyone who was thinking of going to a mosque anywhere in New Zealand today, not to go,” commissioner Mike Bush said.
https://www.rt.com/news/453857-new-zealand-mosque-shooter/