The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has called on Muslim communities around the world not to “allow the terrorists to win” by giving in to fear following yesterday’s massacres at two mosques in New Zealand.
A total of 49 people were killed in the attacks at two mosques in the city of Christchurch yesterday.
Some 42 others were injured in the in the attack and 11 – including a young girl – remain in a critical condition.
A website has been set up for friends and family to report loved ones who are still missing.
Overnight, 28-year-old Australian national Brenton Tarrant appeared in court charge with murder over the attack.
Mr Tarrant appeared in court on Saturday, handcuffed and wearing a white prison suit. He stood silently smirking when media photographed him in the dock.
He was remanded in custody without a plea and is due back in court on April 5th when he is expected to face further charges.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has sent this message to Ireland's Muslim community in the aftermath of the shootings:
“To our Muslim community in Ireland – all 70,000 of them – to all Muslim communities around the world, I think the most important thing is that we not be afraid,” he said.
“That we don’t allow the terrorists to win by changing our lifestyle or changing the way we look at each other because of what was a terrible act.”
In this image made from video, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gives a press conference from Wellington, after the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, March 15, 2019. Ardern said the values of her country would not be "shaken" by the deadly attacks that left dozens dead. (TVNZ via AP)Massacre
On Saturday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said two other firearms were found in the gunman's vehicle, adding it was "his intention to continue with his attack."
She said "young children have been caught up in this horrific attack."
Three other people - two men and a woman - were also arrested after the attacks.
Response
Authorities in New Zealand have come in for some criticism as the suspect was active online before the attacks.
The gunman filmed himself in his car before carrying out the rampage and also live-streamed the atrocity at the al Noor mosque, which was packed with worshippers attending Friday prayers.
Ms Ardern said the attacks marked "one of New Zealand's darkest days" and pledged to reform the country’s gun laws.
The gunman was armed with at least two assault rifles and a shotgun.
A boy reads messages of condolence posted on a wall at the Botanical Gardens, Christchurch, New Zealand, 16-03-2019. Image: AP Photo/Mark Baker"Cowardice"
The mayor of Christchurch has said the shootings were an "act of cowardice" and the attacker came with "hate in his heart."
Mayor Lianne Dalziel said: "He did not develop his hatred here. He came here to perform this act of terrorism."
She said graves were being dug for the dozens of worshippers who were shot dead and officials are working closely with the community on the specific requirements of a large number of Muslim funerals.
The mayor added: "At this time there will be a grief stricken city, but we will come back from this and continue our path of welcoming people of all nations, from all religions from all cultures to our city."
Police block the road near the shooting at a mosque in Linwood, Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, March 15, 2019. Multiple people were killed during shootings at two mosques full of people attending Friday prayers. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
New Zealand
The attack shocked the nation, where mass shootings are a rare occurrence. The last one was in 1990 in the small seaside town of Aramoana. Thirteen people died in that attack, as well as the gunman.
Ms Ardern described the shooting as an "extraordinary, unprecedented act of violence."
"Many of those affected might be migrants to New Zealand. They have chosen to make New Zealand their home and it is their home.
"There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence which it is clear this act was."
