Gunman Live-Streams Himself Shooting Dozens Inside New Zealand Mosque

At least 49 people were killed and 20 seriously injured in mass shootings at two mosques full of worshippers attending Friday prayers on what the prime minister called “one of New Zealand’s darkest days,” as authorities arrested three people and defused explosive devices in what appeared to be a carefully planned attack in the city of Christchurch.

Witness Len Peneha told the Associated Press he saw a man dressed in black enter the Masjid Al Noor mosque and then heard dozens of shots, followed by people running from the mosque in terror.

Peneha says he went into the mosque to try and help: “I saw dead people everywhere.”

The shooter, armed with automatic weapons inscribed with numbers, symbols or messages, appears to have live-streamed the massacre on Facebook using a GoPro as he attacked Masjid Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch at around 1:40 pm local time on Friday, reports The Sun UK. The gunman also appears to have left a lengthy racist manifesto where he described the victims as “invaders.”

Man who identified himself as Brenton Tarrant, 28, of Australia filmed self just before live streaming mass shooting at mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand pic.twitter.com/UowqUymsD2

— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) March 15, 2019

In the gruesome video footage, which we have decided not to publish, the attacker approaches the entrance to the mosque and raises his weapon. One man tries to greet him calmly, calling out “Hello, brother” before the gunman opens fire, executing at least two people.

He then walks toward a larger room near the back of the mosque where he opens fire on dozens of adults and children.

At one point, the gunman exits the mosque and fires in both directions down the sidewalk before returning to his car for another weapon and more ammunition.

Upon re-entering the mosque, he shoots multiple bodies at close range.

After a few minutes, he returns to his vehicle and drives away.

“There wasn’t even time to aim, there was so many targets,” he says inside his car as the sirens of an emergency response vehicle can be heard in the background.

Twitter account purporting to belong to Christchurch, New Zealand mass shooter was opened in February 2019, contains news articles and links to white supremacy blogs as well as numerous photos that match weapons used in attack shown on live stream. pic.twitter.com/QBDYaWKmbr

— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) March 15, 2019

The entire shooting captured on the Facebook live-stream lasted about 6 minutes.

Former Reuters and Grasswire reporter Matthew Keys reports that the shooting suspect’s manifesto praises U.S. President Donald Trump “as a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose,” but not as a policymaker. The alleged shooter describes himself as a 28-year-old, white Australian man.
‏

#BREAKING: In manifesto, Christchurch, New Zealand mosque shooting suspect said he supported U.S. President Donald Trump “as a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose,” but not as a policymaker. pic.twitter.com/RHW2SwzjXs

— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) March 15, 2019

Police on Friday charged a 28-year-old Australian man, which has so far not been named by authorities, with murder. He is set to appear in court on Saturday.

Australian prime minister Scott Morrison tweeted: “I’m horrified by the reports I’m following of the serious shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. The situation is still unfolding but our thoughts and prayers are with our Kiwi cousins.”

I’m horrified by the reports I’m following of the serious shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. The situation is still unfolding but our thoughts and prayers are with our Kiwi cousins.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 15, 2019