Ardern tells extremists: ‘We reject and condemn you’

NEW Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has condemned those behind the Christchurch massacre as extremists whose views have “no place in the world”.

“Many directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here … They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not,” Ms Ardern said.

“They have no place in New Zealand. There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence, which it is clear this act was. This is and will be one of New Zealand’s darkest days.

“These are people who I would describe as having extremist views, that have absolutely no place in New Zealand, and in fact have no place in the world.”

Three men and a woman have been apprehended by police. One of those men was charged with murder last night and will appear in court today.

Ms Ardern said New Zealand had been chosen for its diversity and its compassion.

“And those values I can assure you will not and cannot be shaken by this attack,” she said.

“The people who were the subject of this attack today, New Zealand is their home. They should be safe here.

“The person who has perpetuated this violent act against them … You may have chosen us, but we utterly reject and condemn you.”