8m ago 20:29
Jacinda Ardern is speaking now.
She confirms that 49 people have been killed and says authorities are working to identify them. The injured people have been identified and she says the child transferred to Starship hospital is five-years-old, not four.
15s ago20:37
She says the national threat level remains at high and, consequently, increased aviation and border security measures will be in place.
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1m ago 20:37
The
New Zealand prime minister pays tribute to the emergency services personnel who responded to the incident.
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3m ago 20:35
Ardern also says mental health facilities will be provided and has invited anyone who needs help to call or text 1737.
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4m ago 20:34
New Zealand to change gun laws
Confirming that the suspect had a licence to have a firearm when the attacks took place in Christchurch, New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern confirms the country’s “gun laws will change”.
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5m ago 20:32
Ardern says the suspect used five guns, including semi-automatic rifles and shotguns and was in possession of a gun licence.
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6m ago 20:32
Ardern adds that none of the people arrested had a criminal past, nor was any on a watchlist in
New Zealand or Australia. The person charged was not known to authorities in connection with far-right violence. She says:
Today, as the country grieves, we are seeking answers.
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7m ago 20:31
Ardern says three people have been arrested and confirms that an Australian will appear in court today charged with murder. The person was not a Christchurch resident, but was based in Dunedin – in line with earlier reports.
Enquiries are ongoing about whether or not the other two were involved.
The fourth person was a member of the public in possession of a firearm but was trying to help police and has been released.
6m ago 20:32
Ardern adds that none of the people arrested had a criminal past, nor was any on a watchlist in
New Zealand or Australia. The person charged was not known to authorities in connection with far-right violence. She says:
Today, as the country grieves, we are seeking answers.
6m ago 20:32
Ardern says the suspect used five guns, including semi-automatic rifles and shotguns and was in possession of a gun licence.
5m ago 20:34
New Zealand to change gun laws
Confirming that the suspect had a licence to have a firearm when the attacks took place in Christchurch, New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern confirms the country’s “gun laws will change”.
3m ago 20:35
Ardern also says mental health facilities will be provided and has invited anyone who needs help to call or text 1737.
3m ago 20:37
The
New Zealand prime minister pays tribute to the emergency services personnel who responded to the incident.
2m ago 20:37
She says the national threat level remains at high and, consequently, increased aviation and border security measures will be in place.
18s ago 20:43
Addressing her comments on gun laws, Ardern says the “mere fact” the suspect was able to get a gun licence and get hold of high-powered weapons will mean people will want to see change – and she is committing to supporting that.
She did not, however, go into specifics.
Ardern said the suspect got a category A licence in 2017 and started stockpiling the weapons legally soon afterwards.
Asked if there are any far-right sympathisers on the country’s watchlist, she is vague – referring only to anyone who supports violence – and noting that the government’s work in that area did not bring the suspect to officials’ attention.
New Zealand shooting: gun laws will change, says Ardern – latest updates