PM: ‘One of NZ’s darkest days’
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the mosque attacks in Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s darkest days.
Speaking to media in New Plymouth where she had cancelled planned events, Ardern said the shooting was an ‘‘extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence that had no place in New Zealand’’.
Three men are in custody, along with one woman, after two shootings in mosques in Christchurch that have left at least nine people dead and many injured.
Ardern spoke briefly before flying on a New Zealand Defence Force plane to Wellington for crisis meetings, after which she planned to give a fuller update.
She said details were still not clear about the incidents. ‘‘It is clear that this is one of New Zealand’s darkest days,’’ Ardern said.
‘‘This is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence.’’
Ardern repeatedly said that those who were shot at could well be migrants but they were still New Zealanders and deserved to be safe.
She said whoever had done this was not.
‘‘Many of those who would have been directly affected by the shooting may be migrants to New Zealand. They may even be refugees here.
‘‘They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home. They are us.
‘‘The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand.
‘‘For now my thoughts and I’m sure the thoughts of all New Zealanders are with those who have been affected and all their families,’’ she said.
Ardern asked those in Christchurch to continue to follow advice from police officers. Police Commissioner Mike Bush urged people to stay away from mosques across the country, and was warning those in Christchurch to stay indoors.