New Zealand: "Absolutely
devasted" after unprecedented attacks on mosques
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| Security forces outside the Masjid al Noor mosque in Christchurch (AFP) |
At least 40 people have died in separate attacks on two
mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. In the wake of the attacks, the nation’s
Catholic Bishops have expressed their solidarity with the Muslim community.
By Vatican News
Reporting from New Zealand, Nicky Webber says, "Our
entire country is absolutely devastated by the 49 confirmed deaths in New
Zealand’s first terrorist attack". She described "the massacre of
innocent people, at prayer, in their place of worship" as "shocking
and heartbreaking".
The attacks began in the early afternoon on Friday, when at
least one person entered the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch and began firing on
worshippers. Early reports suggested that there may have been multiple
attackers. The attack on the second mosque began a short time later. "Many
Muslims attending the lunchtime service at the two Mosques in Christchurch were
immigrants and refugees, from war torn countries, seeking peace, safety and
solace, for their families," Webber said. "They are Kiwis too, part
of our community and we mourn with them too".
Police also found IEDs (improvised explosive devices, or
homemade bombs), attached to cars near the site of the attacks. UPDATE:
Authorities later clarified that two bombs had been found in a single
car.
“It is clear that this is one of New Zealand’s darkest
days”, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement following the attacks.
Although she was unable to confirm the number of casualties, local media
reported that at least 40 people were killed, and at least 50 people wounded.
“Clearly, what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of
violence”, the Prime Minister said.
Authorities said that four people – three men and one woman
– were in custody in connection with the shooting. One person, a 28-year-old
man, has already been charged with murder; while police are continuing to investigate
whether the other people arrested were in fact involved. The Australian
man, whose name has not been released, had posted a racist, anti-immigrant
manifesto on social media prior to the shootings, and afterwards apparently
posted video footage of the attack. Police have urged people not to
share the violent and disturbing footage, and Facebook and other social media
companies have been working to remove the videos, as well as any comments in
support of the attacks.
"New Zealand is an ethnically diverse country",
Webber said, "which has always practised tolerance for all races, cultures
and religions. We are a welcoming, peaceful and compassionate nation
who today have been shocked to our very core that such hatred has
come to our shores". She said, "Every Kiwi is offering their
compassion, support and love to those suffering from this horrific crime".
Catholic Bishops express solidarity
Following the attack, the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand
addressed a message to
members of the Muslim community in New Zealand:
“We hold you in prayer as we hear the terrible news of
violence against Muslims in mosques in Christchurch. We are profoundly aware of
the positive relationships we have with Islamic people in this land, and we are
particularly horrified that this has happened at a place and time of prayer. We
are deeply saddened that people have been killed and injured, and our hearts go
out to them, their families and wider community. We wish you to be aware of our
solidarity with you in the face of such violence.”
The message concludes, “Peace, Salaam”, and is signed by all
five Catholic Bishops of New Zealand.
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