New Zealand: attacks on two mosques, almost simultaneously, have resulted in several deaths and injuries

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND (AFP) – An armed man entered today a mosque in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. He shot those present and killed at least six people and several others wounded.

The man identified as Brenton Tarrent, a 28-year-old Australian citizen, relayed the entire mbadacre via his Facebook account. The images were quickly viralized via social networks. In these, you can see how armed with a semi-automatic rifle and shoot several people.

A few minutes later, another attack on a mosque was reported in an area known as Linwood in the suburbs of Christchurch. There, they arrested a suspect who allegedly acted alongside the video shooter. The affected mosques are those of Al Noor and Linwood, located respectively to the west and east of the city.

New Zealand police have arrested four suspects until now. "Four people are in detention, three men and one woman," police chief Mike Bush said, adding that explosive devices were found in the vehicles used by these suspects.

New Zealand's premier, Jacinda Ardern, confirmed that one person had been arrested. "What has happened is extraordinary and unprecedented," Ardern said. He added: "It's one of the darkest days for our country."

Police believe that there may be more people involved in the attack and called on the city's residents, located in the center of the country, not to go out on the street.

Len Peneha, a witness, said he saw a man dressed in black enter the Masjid Al Norr mosque and then heard dozens of shots, followed by people who were terrorized there.

Peneha, who lives on the side of the site, said that the attacker had left the temple, had dropped what appeared to be a semi-automatic weapon in front of his garage and had escaped. Peneha entered the mosque to try to help.

"I saw dead everywhere, there were three in the lobby, in the entrance door and inside the mosque," he said. "I do not understand how anyone could do that to these people, no matter who, it's ridiculous."

With information from AP and AFP