Mosque attack that left 49 dead was the worst mass killing in New Zealand’s history
LA TimesThe Chiefs and Hurricanes observe a moment of silence Friday before a Super Rugby match at FMG Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand. “This is one of New Zealand’s darkest days,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said late Friday after the attacks. The manifesto said the former personal trainer — an “ordinary white man” from a “low income family” — had come to New Zealand only to plan and train for the attack. New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush issued a plea late Friday directed at the nation’s Muslims: “I want to ask anyone that was thinking of going to a mosque anywhere in New Zealand today, not to go, to close your doors until you hear from us again.” World leaders condemned the attacks and offered condolences. “I can tell you one thing right now: Our gun laws will change.” Ardern expressed solidarity with the Muslim and refugee community and said New Zealanders must reject the hate and extremism of the gunman.