New Zealand shootings: Australian politician blames Muslim immigration and 'left-wing politicians' for Christchurch terror attack
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.
Though one reaction from an Australian senator has drawn fierce condemnation and disgust.
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.
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
More: New Zealand mosque shootings: How you can help after the attack in Christchurch