Earlier today (15th March), the world was horrified when news of a mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand surfaced.
With the current death toll standing at 49, the country’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has deemed this heinous act a terrorist attack and described it as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”.
"It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack."
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks after confirming 40 people have been killed in shootings at two mosques in the city of Christchurch: https://t.co/1BrW3kZqw9 pic.twitter.com/r23XzR7s5q
— CNN (@CNN) March 15, 2019
The shooter, identified as Australian citizen Brenton Tarrant, also live-streamed a 17-minute video of himself carrying out the shooting at one of the mosques. In the video, he could be heard referencing the popular YouTuber, PewDiePie, saying,
“Remember lads, subscribe to PewDiePie.”
The YouTuber has since responded to the news on his Twitter account, condemning the terrorist act and sending his condolences to the victims and families of this attack.
Just heard news of the devastating reports from New Zealand Christchurch.
I feel absolutely sickened having my name uttered by this person.
My heart and thoughts go out to the victims, families and everyone affected by this tragedy.— ƿ૯ωძɿ૯ƿɿ૯ (@pewdiepie) March 15, 2019
According to CNN, 41 people were killed at the al Noor mosque on Deans Avenue, 7 died at the Linwood mosque on Linwood Avenue, and 1 died from their injuries in hospital. Meanwhile, 48 of the victims, some of whom are children, suffered injuries in the attack and have since been admitted in hospital for treatment.
Also, police have informed the media that a man in his late 20s has already been charged with murder and will appear at the Christchurch court on Saturday morning (16th March) local time. Three other suspects were also arrested at the scene.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Also read: Breaking: 40 People Died in Mass Shooting at New Zealand Mosques, 2 M’sians Injured
