At least 49 people have been killed and around 50 more injured, 20 of them seriously, after a gunman fired indiscriminately at worshippers during Friday morning prayers. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the gunman was a right-wing “terrorist” with Australian citizenship.
His two targets were the Masjid al Noor mosque, where 41 people died, and a second, smaller mosque in the suburb of Linwood, where seven more died. The remaining victim succumbed in hospital, a report by AFP stated.
The 28-year-old attacker even livestreamed his rampage as hedrove to the Masjid al Noor mosque and then started shooting as he entered the building.
The attack is one of the deadliest in New Zealand. Kiwi Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern termed today’s morning as one of the “darkest days” in the nation’s history.
Incidentally, the Bangladeshi cricket team that was in Christchurch for a Test match which now stands cancelled “narrowly” escaped the bloodbath.
“All members of the Bangladesh Cricket Team in Christchurch, are safely back in the hotel following the incident of shooting in the city. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is in constant contact with the players and team management,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board stated in a statement on twitter.
“Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers,” tweeted cricketer Tamim Iqbal.
