By now, I’m sure you guys have all heard about the tragic event that took place in two mosques on Friday in Christchurch, New Zealand. The terrorist attack which left 49 dead and over 40 injured has been called the “darkest day” for New Zealand. Here’s everything that’s happened since in the aftermath of the attack.
The terrorist has been arrested.
A total of four people were suspected. One of the suspects, Australian Brenton Tarrant, who live-streamed the mass shooting has been arrested on a single murder charge. There are more charges to be expected. The terrorist, did not plea for bail, but instead, smirked, and flashed a white power sign while hand-cuffed. His court date has been set to April 5th.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern said that Tarrant’s car was filled with weapons indicating “his intention to continue with his attack.” She also said the suspect had “traveled around the world with sporadic periods of time spent in New Zealand” and was not on the radar for his extremist views.
Muslim, Australian journalist, Waleed Aly spoke about uniting against hate.
Aly delivered a powerful response condemning the attack. As a devout Muslim he knows exactly what it may have felt like moments before the victims were shot with such blatant cruelty. He also brought to light what an Australian Senator – Frasor Anning released in wake of the attack – which was slammed by many around the globe.
Aly called for unity, stating, “Now we come together. Now we understand this is not a game. Terrorism doesn’t choose its victims selectively. We are one community.” He hopes that leaders will take the essential steps to never allow anything like this to happen again.
Victims are being identified.
Although not all, some victims of the attacks have been identified. The victims are from many different countries including, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Indonesia, U.A.E, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
Amongst the victims was Daoud Nabi, a 71-year-old Afghan immigrant. His last words were “Salam” and those too directed towards the terrorist. He died a hero saving others in the bloody attack.
According to reports, 71yo Daoud Nabi was the first victim of #Christchurch and the man who welcomed the terrorist at the mosque. He was a refugee from Afghanistan and wanted to live peacefully in NZ, and he died as a hero. pic.twitter.com/r3VoJJAnHT
— Emran Feroz (@Emran_Feroz) March 15, 2019
Additionally, Khalid Beydoun, a law professor from Detroit is profiling, in detail, all known aspects about the lives of each of the victims, giving faces to the tragedy, ensuring that the death toll doesn’t remain a mere number.
"The Friendly Accountant" | Syed Areeb Ahmed, 27, lost his life while working in New Zealand.
From Karachi, Pakistan, the accountant was visiting #Christchurch for work. This is a picture he took shortly before his murder on Friday at the mosque. 1/49. pic.twitter.com/ORcALB16K8
— Khaled Beydoun (@KhaledBeydoun) March 16, 2019
Pakistani hero, Naeem Rashid has also been identified.
He died attempting to stop the attacker with his bare hands even when his son was killed moments before. He was known as a “kind soul” by his family and friends and the loss has affected everyone terribly.
I will never forget this photo until end of my life💔 pic.twitter.com/jMA7Bgkcba
— RAGHAD (@RAGHADABDUALZiZ) March 16, 2019
Additionally, Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that the brave soul will be receiving a national award to commemorate his selfless actions.
We stand ready to extend all our support to the families of Pakistani victims of the terrorist attack in Christchurch. Pakistan is proud of Mian Naeem Rashid who was martyred trying to tackle the White Supremacist terrorist & his courage will be recognized with a national award.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 17, 2019
Hundreds of people have expressed their sorrow and shown solidarity, both online and at the place of the attack as well.
Compassion & love pouring in. Hamilton mosque. New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/NZDA1Ahupf
— AmmarM (@AMGEEK1) March 16, 2019
On Friday night, and all day on Saturday, people of Christchurch have been showing their sorrow and their unity against terrorism by coming to a memorial set up on the edge of Hagley Park. People have also been leaving flowers in front of the two mosques that were attacked.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand met with the families of the victims and promised changes in gun control laws.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met with the families of the victims and members of the Muslim community, with a dupatta draped over heard – a truly powerful image in the face of this brutality, giving a clear-cut message of support.
Many families have lost their sole breadwinners, and the ones they were dependent on have been murdered. Ardern has assured payments will be made available to those families.
“It was an opportunity to share the grief of New Zealanders directly with those who have experienced so much loss,” Ardern said.
Changes in gun laws are also being looked into by the government. “The mere fact… that this individual had acquired a gun licence and acquired weapons of that range – then obviously I think people will be seeking change, and I’m committing to that,” she stated. The government will also be looking into banning semi-automatic weapons.
Even people back home are appreciating Ardern for the powerful message she sent out through her actions.
Love pic.twitter.com/SCq1Oml7Ow
— ایمان زینب (@ImaanZHazir) March 16, 2019
The bigoted Australian Senator that I told you about earlier – he got egged.
The far-right Australian senator who was criticized for his racist remarks in the wake of the attack got hit with an egg by a 17-year old boy.
Someone has just slapped an egg on the back of Australian Senator Fraser Anning's head, who immediately turned around and punched him in the face. @politicsabc @abcnews pic.twitter.com/HkDZe2rn0X
— Henry Belot (@Henry_Belot) March 16, 2019
Fraser Anning punched the boy in the face twice along with two other men head-locking the teenager on the floor. The 17-year-old was released without charges later on Friday night in Melbourne. Although it was all quite serious, people can’t help but praise the fearless kid.
— ايد سي فوچق اوف (@mempsycho) March 16, 2019
If this boy ever makes his way to San Diego, USA, he will never have to pay for a drink – or an omelette. Standing offer.
— Kremlin's Fiddle (@kremlinsfiddle) March 16, 2019
Also, social media companies have faced criticism.
The terrorist, Brenton Tarrant, live-streamed the attack on a Go Pro camera attached to his head. The footage, that has been circulated and watched countless times, found it’s way to the front pages of the internet’s biggest news websites. It has brought to attention how social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Reddit – amongst others – fail to terminate far right-wing extremism on it’s platform.
Social media companies have sent sympathy to the victims of the terrorist attack and have been quick to state that they act quickly to remove inappropriate content.
Facebook said: “New Zealand Police alerted us to a video on Facebook shortly after the live-stream commenced and we removed both the shooter’s Facebook account and the video.”
Many people have urged those who see it around to report it.
Please don't circulate the video of the terrorist gunning down our brothers and sisters. That's what he wanted. #NewZealand
— Omar Suleiman (@omarsuleiman504) March 15, 2019
.@MailOnline please get that murder video off your website. It’s a new low in clickbait
— Krishnan Guru-Murthy (@krishgm) March 15, 2019
Since the attack has shaken many, developments keep pouring in. For now, this has been the progression of events. If you have more updates, let us know.
This Fearless Hero From Abbotabad Gave Up His Own Self To Stop The New Zealand Terrorist
This Muslim Journalist’s Powerful Speech In Response To The New Zealand Terrorist Attack Will Break Your Heart
Cover image via geo.tv