Christchurch shooting one of New Zealand's darkest days, says PM Jacinda Ardern

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has termed the Christchurch shooting as ‘one of the darkest days’ in country’s history. When asked if she would call it a hater crime, Ardern said that, “I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence.” New Zealand is facing its worst mass shooting since 1990 after two gunmen attacked two mosques in Christchurch on Friday. She said that those who were in attendance at a mosque should have the right to be exercising their religious freedom, but they were not safe. Ardern says actions like this have “no place in New Zealand”.

What has happened in Christchurch is an extraordinary act of unprecedented violence. It has no place in New Zealand. Many of those affected will be members of our migrant communities – New Zealand is their home – they are us.

— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) March 15, 2019

Over 20 people were killed and 50 people have been injured in the shooting. New Zealand Police issued a statement saying that, “Police is responding to a very serious and tragic incident involving an active shooter in central Christchurch. One person is in custody, however Police believe there may be other offenders.... This is an evolving incident and we are working to confirm the facts however we can confirm there have been a number of fatalities.”

“Police is currently at a number of scenes. We understand that there will be many anxious people but I can assure New Zealanders that Police is doing all it can to resolve this incident,” the statement added. The police has told citizens to stay indoors. “We ask all mosques nationally to shut their doors, and advise that people refrain from visiting these premises until further notice,” the police said. After the press conference Ardern is flying to Wellington, where officials are convening.