NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Joe Biden
    United States of America
    COVID-19
    Russia-Ukraine crisis
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / World News / New Zealand: Gunman opens fire at mosques, several feared dead
    World

    New Zealand: Gunman opens fire at mosques, several feared dead

    New Zealand: Gunman opens fire at mosques, several feared dead
    Written by Shalini Ojha
    Mar 15, 2019, 09:03 am 3 min read
    New Zealand: Gunman opens fire at mosques, several feared dead

    In a gruesome incident, at least two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch area were attacked by unidentified gunmen on Friday afternoon (local time). More than a hundred people were present at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Masjid mosque in Central Christchurch area. Multiple deaths are feared. Police have been responding effectively and one shooter has reportedly been taken into custody. Here's what happened.

    Bangladeshi cricket team had a narrow escape

    According to reports, one of the gunmen live-streamed the barbaric attack on Facebook. Notably, the Bangladeshi cricket team was in the area when the incident happened. They ran when they heard the gunshots, said Mario Villavarayan, their strength and conditioning coach. Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal tweeted it was a "frightening experience". The team was due to play New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Saturday.

    Never seen anything like this: Eyewitnesses

    The horror was recounted by several witnesses who said they had never seen anything like this before. "I have been calling my friends but there are many I haven't heard from. I am scared for my friends' lives," said Mohan Ibrahim to BBC. Another man said there were at least 110 people present at Linwood Ave mosque. "We all went for cover," he said.

    Schools were shut down in Christchurch

    Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that all schools have been placed in lockdown in view of "ongoing firearms situation". The Christchurch Hospital was also locked down and all appointments have been canceled. The district health board barred patients or staff members from entering or leaving the building. People were asked to not visit the hospital unless it was an emergency.

    Man living next door to mosque says he saw gunman

    Len Peneha, who lives close to the Masjid Al Noor mosque, said he saw a man dressed in black entering the establishment. Soon he heard dozens of shots and people ran for their lives. The alleged gunman dropped what seemed like a semi-automatic weapon in Peneha's driveway and fled. He said he saw at least three dead in the hallway.

    How can people do this: Peneha

    "I saw dead people everywhere. It's unbelievable nutty. I don't understand how anyone could do this to these people, to anyone. It's ridiculous," Peneha told Washington Post.

    No place for such crimes in New Zealand: PM

    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who canceled all her appointments for the afternoon, said it was "an unprecedented act of violence". She added the victims were part of the New Zealand community, but the perpetrator was not. Ardern said those who were present inside the mosques were exercising their religious rights and they should feel safe while doing it. "It will be one of New Zealand's darkest days," she added.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    BBC
    New Zealand
    Tamim Iqbal

    BBC

    David Attenborough birthday special: 5 must-watch documentaries by natural historian Entertainment
    Meera Syal to be honored with BAFTA TV Fellowship BAFTA
    Hollywood: Actors Joe Cole-Alexandra Roach to headline thriller series 'Nightsleeper' Hollywood
    Kanye West BBC documentary rights sold to many broadcasters Ye

    New Zealand

    Tsunami alert lifted after 7.7 magnitude quake in South Pacific Fiji
    Jacinda Ardern makes final speech as New Zealand PM  Jacinda Ardern
    New Zealand: 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocks Kermadec Islands Earthquake
    #WeirdNews: After 16 hours, Air New Zealand flight reaches nowhere New York City

    Tamim Iqbal

    Bangladesh win 3rd ODI, wrap-up series against Ireland: Stats Bangladesh Cricket Team
    IRE vs BAN: Mark Adair claims his second-best ODI figures Cricket News
    Tamim Iqbal registers first fifty in 10 ODI innings: Stats Bangladesh Cricket Team
    IRE vs BAN, 3rd ODI: Visitors aim for series win Bangladesh Cricket Team

    Love World News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    World Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023