The deadly mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand have reportedly killed 49 people and severely injured 20 more. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there were six Indonesians in the area at the time. Three were reported to have survived the multiple shootings at Al Noor Mosque and another at a mosque in Linwood. However, the fate of the other three remains uncertain. Retno Marsudi, Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said that no information is available about the three missing Indonesians at this time. “We are still looking for three Indonesian citizens around the vicinity. There are about 330 Indonesians in Christchurch, 130 of whom are students who heard the shootings. The Indonesian Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, has also deployed a consular protocol team,” said Retno.
According to witnesses, a man dressed in a military-style outfit had carried an automatic rifle and started randomly shooting people in the Al Noor Mosque at 1.40 p.m. local time. New Zealand Police Commissioner, Mike Bush earlier commented that four people had been taken into custody. A 28-year-old Australian man, who claimed responsibility and described his anti-immigrant motives, has apparently been charged with murder. Bush added that aside from the shootings, a number of explosive devices were found to be attached to some of the vehicles nearby. He urged Christchurch residents to stay safe indoors and to continuously monitor the police website.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, condemned the shootings and considers the incident as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. In her statement, Ardern also mentioned that there is no place in the country for such acts of violence and terrorism.
Source: Liputan 6, CNBC
Image: BD News