SAS joined in hunt for shooter
Some of the world’s most deadly sharpshooters were in Christchurch when New Zealand’s worst terror attack unfolded on Friday, with NZSAS taking to the streets to help hunt the rampaging mosque shooter.
Snipers from the New Zealand military, as well as professional snipers from Australia and Asian countries, had been at the Defence Force shooting range at West Melton, 25km west of the city, the Herald has been told.
When the massacre unfolded, they are understood to have been granted special powers to take up arms in order to protect the public.
NZSAS soldiers were photographed with weapons and balaclavas masking their faces near the Al Noor Mosque by Hagley Park where a gunman stormed Friday prayers.
One photograph, which has appeared on social media, appears to show an NZSAS soldier with an army sniper rifle or designated-marksman weapon outside the Deans Ave mosque.
Others responded to a callout at Papanui High School, which was feared to have been under attack too.
Heavily armed masked officers were seen travelling in civilian rental vehicles with police on Friday.
New Zealand Police special tactics group officers were also on the frontline.
The Defence Force and Police have been approached for comment.
The two police officers who apprehended the suspect were also out-oftowners who joined the urgent scramble to find the fleeing gunman.
They were on a training session at Princess Margaret Hospital in Cashmere, using a disused floor of the hospital to practise room-clearing and dealing with armed offenders.
After hearing an active shooter was on the loose, the officers, based in small towns outside Christchurch, went after him.
Driving on Brougham St, they spotted someone fitting the description of the shooter coming towards them. They confirmed it was the right car, did a U-turn, and rammed him.
They ploughed into the suspect’s car on the driver’s side, knocking the vehicle out of action. Footage supplied to the Herald shows the officers dragging him out.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said without their brave actions, more people would probably have been killed.