At least 49 people have been shot and killed at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Mike Bush, New Zealand’s police commissioner, says 48 others are being treated in hospital following Friday’s terrorist attack.
“One person, a male in his late 20s, has been charged with murder and should appear in a Christchurch court [Saturday] morning,” Bush said on Friday.
Police said two other people remain in custody while a fourth arrest was unrelated to the shootings.
1/9 Police continue to deal with what is an unprecedented event for New Zealand. The loss of life and the number of those who have been injured is tragic.
As the Prime Minister has stated, this has been designated a terrorist attack.— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
Bush said no law enforcement agency had any information about these individuals.
“Part of our investigation will be to look back at every possibility to ensure that we and law enforcement and security didn’t miss any opportunities to prevent this horrendous event,” he said.
Bush said the attack was a “very well-planned event” and it will take time to complete their investigation.
He said officers recovered firearms from both scenes and found two possible improvised explosive devices on a vehicle.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned the attack, calling it an “extraordinary act of unprecedented violence.”
At this time there is no known nexus to Canada and Canada’s threat level remains unchanged at “medium”. 2/2
— Ralph Goodale (@RalphGoodale) March 15, 2019
