The world is reeling from the news that a white supremacist terrorist has shot at least 49 people dead in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Police have arrested four people in connection with the attack at a Mosque, which is being treated as an Islamophobic terrorist incident.
Condemnation of the attack – which is thought to be motivated by far-right, white supremacist extremism – has poured in from across the world.
Politicians have condemnation for the hateful, twisted ideology which motivated the attack.
This is beyond awful. Innocent people being murdered as they worship is horrific and heartbreaking. My thoughts and… https://t.co/F9fkk92OQx— Nicola Sturgeon (@Nicola Sturgeon) 1552634981
Today, at mosques across Scotland and elsewhere, Muslims will attend Friday prayers. They are a valued part of our… https://t.co/I838vnWYfG— Nicola Sturgeon (@Nicola Sturgeon) 1552635674
On behalf of the UK, my deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand after the horrifying terrorist attack in C… https://t.co/L6X9Jji9nD— Theresa May (@Theresa May) 1552635991
Toutes nos pensées pour les victimes des crimes odieux contre les mosquées de Christchurch en Nouvelle-Zélande et p… https://t.co/tdErhlJbK3— Emmanuel Macron (@Emmanuel Macron) 1552641256
Though one reaction from an Australian senator has drawn fierce condemnation and disgust.
After the devastating attacks on mosques in Christchurch today, this is Queensland Senator Fraser Anning's response… https://t.co/QFF9ccznG0— Felicity Caldwell (@Felicity Caldwell) 1552629155
Queensland senator Fraser Anning said:
I am utterly opposed to any form of violence within our community, and I totally condemn the actions of the gunman.
However, whilst this kind of violent vigilantism can never be justified, what it highlights is the growing fear within our community, both in Australia and New Zealand, of the increasing Muslim presence.
He then goes on to blame "let-wing politicians" and "Muslim fanatics", who supposedly migrated to New Zealand, for the violence.
Shortly afterwards, he tweeted:
On Twitter, people were appalled.
40 people killed in a mass shooting and an elected politician rushes to blame the victims for being in the country… https://t.co/rSUl5SAdBI— James Felton (@James Felton) 1552636446
“Here is one sentence condemning the gunman HOWEVER here are 7 paragraphs justifying why they have been shot”— James Felton (@James Felton) 1552636972
@JimMFelton This is utterly horrendous. I can hardly believe I just read that.— Kirsten Oswald MP (@Kirsten Oswald MP) 1552636544
@JimMFelton Fucking hell it gets worse with every paragraph— Keza MacDonald (@Keza MacDonald) 1552638113
For context for anyone outside Australia, Fraser Anning received just 19 votes. He only got a seat in the Senate af… https://t.co/8afkpC57Tq— Felicity Caldwell (@Felicity Caldwell) 1552635724
Thankfully, New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern took an altogether different tone. In a statement, she said:
These are people that I would describe as having extremist views that have no place in New Zealand and no place in the world.
Our thoughts and our prayers are with those who have been impacted today. Christ church was the home of these victims.#
For many, this may not have been the place they were born. In fact, for many, NZ was their choice, the place they came to and committed themselves to… A place where they were free to practice their culture and their religion.
She went on to say that New Zealand had been chosen as a location attack because it strongly opposes the very values that the attackers were seeking to promote.
Because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion – a home for those who share our values. Refuge by for those who need it. Those values will not be shaken by this attack.
You may have chosen us, but we utterly reject and condemn you.
Details of the attack continue to unfold, but so far it has been confirmed that 49 people have been killed.
If you are currently residing in New Zealand you can contact the police via the following methods:
Phone: 111
Website: https://www.police.govt.nz/
Twitter: @nzpolice
If you have been affected by this story and currently live in the UK we recommend that you contact the New Zealand high commission in London.
They can be reached via the following means.
Address: 80 Haymarket , London SW1Y 4TQ, Greater London
Telephone: +44 20 793 08422
Website: www.nzembassy.com
Fax: +44 20 783 94580