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In New Zealand, at least 40 people were killed in an attack on two mosques. The situation is confusing, but the motive for action seems clear.
A coordinated attack on two mosques in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, killed scores of people. Premier Jacinda Ardern has spoken of at least 40 deaths. The attacks were perpetrated in the Masjid al Noor mosque in the city center and in a mosque in the suburbs of Linwood. Four suspects have been arrested. These are three men and one woman, said police chief Mike Bush.
On the vehicles of the attackers, explosives had been discovered that had been defused by the army. Prime Minister Ardern called the attack a terrorist. "It is clear that this can only be described as a terrorist attack." Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the attack was perpetrated by an "extremist, right-wing and violent terrorist". This is an Australian citizen born in his country
More than 300 people at the mosque
According to eyewitness accounts, the first shots were fired at 13:45 local time (1:45 CET). There were more than 300 worshipers in the Masjid al-Noor mosque. According to witnesses, the attacker is a white man wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest. With his automatic weapon, he would have shot several times in the crowd. A video circulates on the Internet and various messages allegedly from the author. At first, it was not possible to verify it reliably.
Prime Minister Ardern commented on one of the "darkest days" in the history of his country. For such a thing, there is "no place in New Zealand". At the same time, she expressed her condolences to the families of the victims. "New Zealand is their home, they should have felt safe here."
Sealed state buildings
The spokesman for the Bush police spoke of a "series of very serious and tragic events" in a video message broadcast on social networks. At the same time, he called on all Muslims in New Zealand to stay at home. "In no case should anyone in the country go to a mosque now."
The city of Christchurch was sealed because of the uncertain situation of all the buildings of the state. In addition to the schools, the town hall, the municipal library and the museums were closed. Mayor Lianne Dalziel appealed to residents to avoid the city center. She said: "Everyone is shocked, I never thought that such a thing could happen here."
Francis Tawiah (Duisburg – Germany)
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