New Zealand has "not yet seen" any intelligence reports linking the deadly bombings in Sri Lanka to last month's mosque massacre in Christchurch, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's office said late Tuesday. &nbsp;

A Sri Lankan official earlier Tuesday said "preliminary investigations" had found that the bombings on Sunday, which left more than 300 dead, were "i<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-bombings-were-revenge-for-christchurch-mosque-shootings-says-defence-minister-212848">n retaliation for the attack against Muslims</a> in Christchurch."

The March 15 shooting rampage on two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-votes-to-amend-gun-laws-after-christchurch-attack-209275">Christchurch mosques killed 50 Muslims</a>. A self-proclaimed white nationalist has been charged with the attack. &nbsp;

A spokesperson for Ardern said the government had seen reports of the statement by Sri Lanka's Minister of state for defence alleging the link between the Easter Sunday attack and Christchurch.&nbsp;

"We understand the Sri Lankan investigation into the attack is in its early stages," the spokesperson said. "New Zealand has not yet seen any intelligence upon which such an assessment might be based." &nbsp;

"New Zealanders oppose terrorism and extreme violence in all its forms. In the wake of the Christchurch mosque attacks, it was the condemnation of the perpetrators of violence and a message of peace that unified us all," they said.

New Zealand has "not yet seen" any intelligence reports linking the deadly bombings in Sri Lanka to last month's mosque massacre in Christchurch, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's office said late Tuesday.

New Zealand has "not yet seen" any intelligence reports linking the deadly bombings in Sri Lanka to last month's mosque massacre in Christchurch, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's office said late Tuesday. A Sri Lankan official earlier Tuesday said "preliminary investigations" had found that the bombings on Sunday, which left more than 300 dead, were "in retaliation for the attack against Muslims in Christchurch." The March 15 shooting rampage on two Christchurch mosques killed 50 Muslims. A self-proclaimed white nationalist has been charged with the attack. A spokesperson for Ardern said the government had seen reports of the statement by Sri Lanka's Minister of state for defence alleging the link between the Easter Sunday attack and Christchurch. "We understand the Sri Lankan investigation into the attack is in its early stages," the spokesperson said. "New Zealand has not yet seen any intelligence upon which such an assessment might be based." "New Zealanders oppose terrorism and extreme violence in all its forms. In the wake of the Christchurch mosque attacks, it was the condemnation of the perpetrators of violence and a message of peace that unified us all," they said.

New Zealand has not yet seen intel linking Sri Lanka bombings to Christchurch: PM

New Zealand Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/young-muslim-boy-invites-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-to-join-islam-205508&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj8wrmt7b_hAhVM73MBHXNMC9MQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0x-t-htNdTYVMCBzS2atSF">Jacinda Ardern </a>on Monday named a Supreme Court judge to lead an inquiry into the massacre last month of 50 worshippers at two <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/49-killed-in-christchurch-mosque-attack-one-person-charged-new-zealand-police-203495&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi5oJXA7b_hAhUUjeYKHcZWCh4QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw109l0ATsijQTZh5Vm-mkgn">Christchurch mosques</a>.

"The government will ensure no stone is left unturned as we examine as quickly as possible how the March 15 attack happened, what could have been done to stop it and how we can keep New Zealanders safe," Ardern said.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-enduring-one-of-its-darkest-days-pm-jacinda-ardern-after-mosque-shooting-203429&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi5oJXA7b_hAhUUjeYKHcZWCh4QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0B6MLotW1d2IppZ3xNmN7y">Royal Commission</a> probe, the most powerful judicial inquiry available under New Zealand law, will be led by Supreme Court Judge William Young and report its findings by December 10, she said.&nbsp;

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a self-avowed white supremacist, has been charged with 50 counts of murder and 39 of attempted murder over the mosque attacks in the southern city.&nbsp;

Ardern said the probe, due to begin hearing evidence on May 13, would play a critical role in ensuring "such an attack never happens again".

The inquiry will involve consultation with the Muslim community and look into whether New Zealand counter-terror agencies placed an "inappropriate concentration" of resources in tracking Islamist militants while neglecting the threat from far-right extremism.&nbsp;

It will probe Tarrant's activities before the attack, including how he obtained a gun licence, weapons and ammunition, and his use of social media, Ardern said.

Tarrant live-streamed his attack and published a lengthy manifesto online before launching his rampage.

What knowledge intelligence agencies had of his activities and whether any laws impeded the gathering and sharing of information by the agencies will also be part of the inquiry, she said.

Since the attacks, the government has tightened the country's gun laws, is reviewing legislation dealing with hate speech and called for social media giants to do more to combat online extremism.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday named a Supreme Court judge to lead an inquiry into the massacre last month of 50 worshippers at two Christchurch mosques.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday named a Supreme Court judge to lead an inquiry into the massacre last month of 50 worshippers at two Christchurch mosques. "The government will ensure no stone is left unturned as we examine as quickly as possible how the March 15 attack happened, what could have been done to stop it and how we can keep New Zealanders safe," Ardern said. The Royal Commission probe, the most powerful judicial inquiry available under New Zealand law, will be led by Supreme Court Judge William Young and report its findings by December 10, she said. Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a self-avowed white supremacist, has been charged with 50 counts of murder and 39 of attempted murder over the mosque attacks in the southern city. Ardern said the probe, due to begin hearing evidence on May 13, would play a critical role in ensuring "such an attack never happens again". The inquiry will involve consultation with the Muslim community and look into whether New Zealand counter-terror agencies placed an "inappropriate concentration" of resources in tracking Islamist militants while neglecting the threat from far-right extremism. It will probe Tarrant's activities before the attack, including how he obtained a gun licence, weapons and ammunition, and his use of social media, Ardern said. Tarrant live-streamed his attack and published a lengthy manifesto online before launching his rampage. What knowledge intelligence agencies had of his activities and whether any laws impeded the gathering and sharing of information by the agencies will also be part of the inquiry, she said. Since the attacks, the government has tightened the country's gun laws, is reviewing legislation dealing with hate speech and called for social media giants to do more to combat online extremism.

Supreme Court Judge will report findings of Christchurch massacre inquiry

What could prompt a person to mow down Muslim worshippers in a mosque who had congregated there for the Friday prayer? Sheer hatred is the answer. But, where does or did this hatred come from? Through context and “subterranean” currents and winds. The obvious reference here is to the killing of many Muslim worshippers in New Zealand. That the carnage occurred in this country is not only surprising but also alarming. New Zealand, in almost all indices, score(d) high intolerance, integration of minorities into the body politic and society and general interfaith peace and amity that obtained in the country. But, it is now witnessed to the carnage that is not only unprecedented but horrendous.

The very fact that the carnage occurred in New Zealand must make powers that be, across the Western world introspect. There is a severe problem within that must be addressed before it assumes disastrous proportions. The problem is Islamophobia which roughly means “hatred, prejudice and bias toward Muslims and Islam”. The Christchurch Mosque shootings are but one manifestation of this scourge and blight. This noxious concept or idea is not novel; it actually harks backs to the Crusades when Islam and the West entered into a&nbsp;centuries-long confrontation of a political and military nature. The dynamic of the Crusades was such that both Islam and the West defined themselves against each other. That is, each held the other to be its “Other”.&nbsp;

In the ensuing melee, what may called “narrational” or narrative and discursive war ensued that sought a toxic denigration of either? Narrative and discourse, especially the noxious variety, are not innocent; neither are these ephemeral. These are long duree in nature and can shape the historical memory and consciousness of a given people. It is this centuries-old discourse and narrative that could be said to determine the tenor of relations between Islam and the West. And, it is these twin themes, given impetus by events and developments across the world, that could be held to be the incubus of the shooting and killings in New Zealand.&nbsp;

It is then context that bred the killer responsible for the killings. This is not to exonerate the murderer and his cowardly act but to put matters into perspective. &nbsp;The brutal coward is, in the final analysis, a foot soldier and executor of an idea or noxious ideology that denigrates, hates, and wants Muslims exterminated. While, in the realm of immediacy, the man and his accomplices must face the full force of law, but the larger and the more compelling challenge is to check the evil and noxious theme of Islamophobia in the West.&nbsp;

Be it Trump’s the United States, or Marie le Pen’s France or the growing salience of right-wing parties in Europe, all seek to use Muslims as the “Other” to push their nasty and noxious political agendas. In this sense then, a ghastly event like the New Zealand carnage was perhaps waiting to happen. While there have been condemnations of the terror attack, but these are tepid and not enough. It is the context and the climate that Islamophobia generates that must be dealt with, firmly and strenuously. First and foremost, the attack must be called and dealt with as a pure act of terrorism. And, then the toxicity of the underlying ideologies that incubate it in the Western world must be taken on.&nbsp;

All this becomes salient and poignant in a world where, despite the derailing of the momentum of globalisation, which entails movement of diverse peoples across the world, Islam and the West meet again, albeit in a different context, scale and scope. A fearful minority within the West is neither salubrious nor called for. Islam and Muslims within the West are a reality that cannot be wished away. They are there to stay. It is then incumbent upon powers that be in the West to make Muslims within feel safe and secure. Moreover, it is in the nature of an imperative for the West to introspect and actually hark back to the principles and philosophies that are its defining features, tolerance and countenancing diversity being salient ones. The starting point of this review would be confronted Islamophobia and the toxic forces that give rise to it.&nbsp;

Last but not least, Muslims within the West and across the world must not tar Westerners with the same brush and hold them to be the equivalent of the Christchurch killer. This would amount to giving in and caving to the real agendas of those who are behind the killings. We, Muslims, across the world, must demonstrate grace, poise, the expansiveness of vision and belief, which correspond and mesh with the great and holy principles of Islam. Our reaction, as our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the odious and horrendous attack must be measured and sober. We must not give ammunition to the detractors and ill-wishers of our faith and religion. Let peace prevail. Salaam!&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

What could prompt a person to mow down Muslim worshippers in a mosque who had congregated there for the Friday prayer? Sheer hatred is the answer. But, where does or did this hatred come from?

What could prompt a person to mow down Muslim worshippers in a mosque who had congregated there for the Friday prayer? Sheer hatred is the answer. But, where does or did this hatred come from? Through context and “subterranean” currents and winds. The obvious reference here is to the killing of many Muslim worshippers in New Zealand. That the carnage occurred in this country is not only surprising but also alarming. New Zealand, in almost all indices, score(d) high intolerance, integration of minorities into the body politic and society and general interfaith peace and amity that obtained in the country. But, it is now witnessed to the carnage that is not only unprecedented but horrendous. The very fact that the carnage occurred in New Zealand must make powers that be, across the Western world introspect. There is a severe problem within that must be addressed before it assumes disastrous proportions. The problem is Islamophobia which roughly means “hatred, prejudice and bias toward Muslims and Islam”. The Christchurch Mosque shootings are but one manifestation of this scourge and blight. This noxious concept or idea is not novel; it actually harks backs to the Crusades when Islam and the West entered into a centuries-long confrontation of a political and military nature. The dynamic of the Crusades was such that both Islam and the West defined themselves against each other. That is, each held the other to be its “Other”. In the ensuing melee, what may called “narrational” or narrative and discursive war ensued that sought a toxic denigration of either? Narrative and discourse, especially the noxious variety, are not innocent; neither are these ephemeral. These are long duree in nature and can shape the historical memory and consciousness of a given people. It is this centuries-old discourse and narrative that could be said to determine the tenor of relations between Islam and the West. And, it is these twin themes, given impetus by events and developments across the world, that could be held to be the incubus of the shooting and killings in New Zealand. It is then context that bred the killer responsible for the killings. This is not to exonerate the murderer and his cowardly act but to put matters into perspective. The brutal coward is, in the final analysis, a foot soldier and executor of an idea or noxious ideology that denigrates, hates, and wants Muslims exterminated. While, in the realm of immediacy, the man and his accomplices must face the full force of law, but the larger and the more compelling challenge is to check the evil and noxious theme of Islamophobia in the West. Be it Trump’s the United States, or Marie le Pen’s France or the growing salience of right-wing parties in Europe, all seek to use Muslims as the “Other” to push their nasty and noxious political agendas. In this sense then, a ghastly event like the New Zealand carnage was perhaps waiting to happen. While there have been condemnations of the terror attack, but these are tepid and not enough. It is the context and the climate that Islamophobia generates that must be dealt with, firmly and strenuously. First and foremost, the attack must be called and dealt with as a pure act of terrorism. And, then the toxicity of the underlying ideologies that incubate it in the Western world must be taken on. All this becomes salient and poignant in a world where, despite the derailing of the momentum of globalisation, which entails movement of diverse peoples across the world, Islam and the West meet again, albeit in a different context, scale and scope. A fearful minority within the West is neither salubrious nor called for. Islam and Muslims within the West are a reality that cannot be wished away. They are there to stay. It is then incumbent upon powers that be in the West to make Muslims within feel safe and secure. Moreover, it is in the nature of an imperative for the West to introspect and actually hark back to the principles and philosophies that are its defining features, tolerance and countenancing diversity being salient ones. The starting point of this review would be confronted Islamophobia and the toxic forces that give rise to it. Last but not least, Muslims within the West and across the world must not tar Westerners with the same brush and hold them to be the equivalent of the Christchurch killer. This would amount to giving in and caving to the real agendas of those who are behind the killings. We, Muslims, across the world, must demonstrate grace, poise, the expansiveness of vision and belief, which correspond and mesh with the great and holy principles of Islam. Our reaction, as our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the odious and horrendous attack must be measured and sober. We must not give ammunition to the detractors and ill-wishers of our faith and religion. Let peace prevail. Salaam! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The psychology of fear and hate: Christchurch attacks must be dealt with as pure act of terrorism

Bangladesh's cricket team left New Zealand on Saturday, less than 24 hours after narrowly avoiding being involved in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mass-shooting-suspect-remanded-until-april-5-203622">worst mass shooting in the country</a>, which now had to accept that sporting events were likely to have been changed forever.

A lone gunman killed 49 people and wounded more than 20 during Friday prayers at two mosques in Christchurch in the country's worst mass shooting which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned as "a terrorist attack".

The Bangladesh team were on a bus that was approaching the Al Noor mosque, where 41 people died, on the eve of the third Test at nearby Hagley Oval when the shooting began.

The Test match, which had been scheduled to start on Saturday, was cancelled after the shooting and Bangladesh's tour abandoned.

Violent crime is extremely rare in New Zealand and the Bangladesh Cricket Board said the attacks had now changed their perception about team security on tours.

"We'll demand proper security wherever our team goes in future," BCB President Nazmul Hassan told reporters in Dhaka on Friday. "If a country provides proper security as per our demand, then we will go otherwise not.

"I can say that everything will change after this incident."

Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari also suggested the world governing body, the International Cricket Council, should possibly take a harder line against hosting matches in New Zealand.

"ICC shd take note &amp; perhaps suspend int cricket in NZ after this act of terrorism?" Mazari said on Twitter.

Pakistan has been unable to host matches at home since 2009, when gunmen attacked the bus carrying the Sri Lanka team to a match in Lahore. Six of the visiting team were wounded and eight locals killed.

New Zealand have not toured Pakistan since 2002 following a suicide bombing outside their hotel in Karachi and instead played their games in the United Arab Emirates.

They also abandoned a tour of Sri Lanka in 1987 following a bombing near their hotel in Colombo.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said the country would now also need to accept they were no longer immune from acts of extreme violence and that would need to be factored in when they hosted sports events and teams.

"This is shocking. This will change the entire fabric of international sports hosting. I think everything changes now," he said.

"We'll certainly be having to look at our security in depth. I think the idea of New Zealand being a safe haven is gone now.

"We now have to be very, very vigilant - all the authorities and sporting organisations, absolutely."

Bangladesh's cricket team left New Zealand on Saturday, less than 24 hours after narrowly avoiding being involved in the worst mass shooting in the country, which now had to accept that sporting events were likely to have been changed forever.

Bangladesh's cricket team left New Zealand on Saturday, less than 24 hours after narrowly avoiding being involved in the worst mass shooting in the country, which now had to accept that sporting events were likely to have been changed forever. A lone gunman killed 49 people and wounded more than 20 during Friday prayers at two mosques in Christchurch in the country's worst mass shooting which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned as "a terrorist attack". The Bangladesh team were on a bus that was approaching the Al Noor mosque, where 41 people died, on the eve of the third Test at nearby Hagley Oval when the shooting began. The Test match, which had been scheduled to start on Saturday, was cancelled after the shooting and Bangladesh's tour abandoned. Violent crime is extremely rare in New Zealand and the Bangladesh Cricket Board said the attacks had now changed their perception about team security on tours. "We'll demand proper security wherever our team goes in future," BCB President Nazmul Hassan told reporters in Dhaka on Friday. "If a country provides proper security as per our demand, then we will go otherwise not. "I can say that everything will change after this incident." Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari also suggested the world governing body, the International Cricket Council, should possibly take a harder line against hosting matches in New Zealand. "ICC shd take note & perhaps suspend int cricket in NZ after this act of terrorism?" Mazari said on Twitter. Pakistan has been unable to host matches at home since 2009, when gunmen attacked the bus carrying the Sri Lanka team to a match in Lahore. Six of the visiting team were wounded and eight locals killed. New Zealand have not toured Pakistan since 2002 following a suicide bombing outside their hotel in Karachi and instead played their games in the United Arab Emirates. They also abandoned a tour of Sri Lanka in 1987 following a bombing near their hotel in Colombo. New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said the country would now also need to accept they were no longer immune from acts of extreme violence and that would need to be factored in when they hosted sports events and teams. "This is shocking. This will change the entire fabric of international sports hosting. I think everything changes now," he said. "We'll certainly be having to look at our security in depth. I think the idea of New Zealand being a safe haven is gone now. "We now have to be very, very vigilant - all the authorities and sporting organisations, absolutely."

Bangladesh cricket team leave New Zealand after mosque shootings

Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal said he believes it will not be easy for the national cricket team to overcome the shock of narrowly escaping Friday’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mass-shooting-suspect-remanded-until-april-5-203622">shooting in a New Zealand mosque</a>.&nbsp;

At least 49 people died in attacks on two mosques in the city of Christchurch during Friday prayers, in what appeared to be the worst act of terror against Muslims in a Western country.&nbsp;

"It will certainly take some time for us to get out of it (the state of shock) after the experience we had here," Tamim told reporters at Christchurch airport moments before the team left for Bangladesh on Saturday.&nbsp;

At least 17 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cricket-team-leave-new-zealand-after-mosque-shootings-203681">members of the Bangladesh cricket team</a>, including Tamim, drove up to the Masjid al Noor in a bus to join Friday prayers when the mosque came under attack by a gunman.&nbsp;

Team manager Khaled Mashud said the players and staff on the bus watched as blood-soaked victims staggered from the building.&nbsp;

They stayed in the bus for eight to 10 minutes before leaving it sensing danger, according to Mashud.&nbsp;

The Bangladesh cricket team was in Christchurch for their third and final Test of a three-match series, which was scheduled to begin Saturday.&nbsp;

The Test was promptly cancelled and the Bangladesh Cricket Board and New Zealand authorities arranged for the team to leave the country at the earliest possible time.&nbsp;

The Bangladesh team is expected to return home at 10.40pm local time (1640GMT) on Saturday.&nbsp;

"It is better that we are returning... because everyone's family is worried. I just hope after returning home we can overcome it (trauma) with the passing of time,” Tamim said before the team left Christchurch.&nbsp;

Dhaka complained that players were not provided with any security when they headed for the mosque.&nbsp;

“In future, whenever we send our cricket team abroad we will do that after examining and reviewing the security matters of the host countries,” Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Saturday, according to the state-run news agency BSS.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board echoed Hasina's concerns, saying it was "unfortunate we did not see any visible security protocol".

"We are not sure what their security system is. But when two countries sign (a) memorandum of understanding at national level security is always mentioned,” BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters in Dhaka.

“We will set up a minimum security standard for future. Once it is assured only then we will go, otherwise not,” he said.&nbsp;

Australia's cricket team cancelled a tour in Bangladesh in 2015, citing a lack of security, while the Australian Under-19 cricket team skipped ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2016 on the same ground.

England's cricket team was provided security equal to that of a head of a state when they visited Bangladesh in 2016, months after one of the worst extremist attacks on foreigners in a Dhaka cafe.

Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal said he believes it will not be easy for the national cricket team to overcome the shock of narrowly escaping Friday’s shooting in a New Zealand mosque.

Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal said he believes it will not be easy for the national cricket team to overcome the shock of narrowly escaping Friday’s shooting in a New Zealand mosque. At least 49 people died in attacks on two mosques in the city of Christchurch during Friday prayers, in what appeared to be the worst act of terror against Muslims in a Western country. "It will certainly take some time for us to get out of it (the state of shock) after the experience we had here," Tamim told reporters at Christchurch airport moments before the team left for Bangladesh on Saturday. At least 17 members of the Bangladesh cricket team, including Tamim, drove up to the Masjid al Noor in a bus to join Friday prayers when the mosque came under attack by a gunman. Team manager Khaled Mashud said the players and staff on the bus watched as blood-soaked victims staggered from the building. They stayed in the bus for eight to 10 minutes before leaving it sensing danger, according to Mashud. The Bangladesh cricket team was in Christchurch for their third and final Test of a three-match series, which was scheduled to begin Saturday. The Test was promptly cancelled and the Bangladesh Cricket Board and New Zealand authorities arranged for the team to leave the country at the earliest possible time. The Bangladesh team is expected to return home at 10.40pm local time (1640GMT) on Saturday. "It is better that we are returning... because everyone's family is worried. I just hope after returning home we can overcome it (trauma) with the passing of time,” Tamim said before the team left Christchurch. Dhaka complained that players were not provided with any security when they headed for the mosque. “In future, whenever we send our cricket team abroad we will do that after examining and reviewing the security matters of the host countries,” Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Saturday, according to the state-run news agency BSS. The Bangladesh Cricket Board echoed Hasina's concerns, saying it was "unfortunate we did not see any visible security protocol". "We are not sure what their security system is. But when two countries sign (a) memorandum of understanding at national level security is always mentioned,” BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters in Dhaka. “We will set up a minimum security standard for future. Once it is assured only then we will go, otherwise not,” he said. Australia's cricket team cancelled a tour in Bangladesh in 2015, citing a lack of security, while the Australian Under-19 cricket team skipped ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2016 on the same ground. England's cricket team was provided security equal to that of a head of a state when they visited Bangladesh in 2016, months after one of the worst extremist attacks on foreigners in a Dhaka cafe.

It will take time to overcome Christchurch horror, says Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal

New Zealand police say they have taken into custody three men and one woman over the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch.

Authorities have not specified who they detained but said none had been on any watch list.

Cellphone video provided by an eye witness driving in Christchurch shows police activity near the scene of one of the shootings.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the events Friday afternoon "one of New Zealand's darkest days."

The shootings involved multiple fatalities but authorities have not said how many.

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said police have defused a number of improvised explosive devices found on vehicles after the mosque shootings.

A man who claimed responsibility for the shootings left a 74-page anti-immigrant manifesto in which he explained who he was and his reasoning for his actions. He said he considered it a terrorist attack. 
&nbsp;

New Zealand police say they have taken into custody three men and one woman over the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch. Authorities have not specified who they detained but said none had been on any watch list.

New Zealand police say they have taken into custody three men and one woman over the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch. Authorities have not specified who they detained but said none had been on any watch list. Cellphone video provided by an eye witness driving in Christchurch shows police activity near the scene of one of the shootings. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the events Friday afternoon "one of New Zealand's darkest days." The shootings involved multiple fatalities but authorities have not said how many. New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said police have defused a number of improvised explosive devices found on vehicles after the mosque shootings. A man who claimed responsibility for the shootings left a 74-page anti-immigrant manifesto in which he explained who he was and his reasoning for his actions. He said he considered it a terrorist attack.

New Zealand police detain four suspects after Christchurch mosques shooting that killed 49 