The manifesto of one of the gunmen in the shooting massacre in which at least 49 people were killed at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, has surfaced online.
Forty-Nine Dead; Manifesto Posted on Twitter
At least 49 people have been killed and dozens more injured in the shootings, which took place Friday in Christchurch. One or more gunman opened fire on worshippers at the mosques, at Linwood Avenue and Deans Avenue. Journalist Matthew Keys posted the suspect’s manifesto on Twitter, and added that the message has been making the rounds on social media:
“An emblem used on the first page of the Christchurch, NZ mass shooting suspect’s manifesto has been circulating on Reddit and a bulletin board called 4chan for months. It is apparently associated with the ‘Ecofascist Party.’ “
Shootings At Two Mosques Have Shaken Country
The Daily Mail writes that in the suspect’s manifesto, he was also inspired by past terrorist attacks from as far back as April 2017.
Suspect Wanted To Affect ‘Social Discourse’
Included in the manifesto was the suspect’s belief the incident might influence U.S. politics.
“I chose firearms for the affect it would have on social discourse,” he wrote. The gunman, who identified himself as Brenton Tarrant of Grafton, New South Wales, apparently said he wanted to start a “civil war in the U.S.”
Suspect’s Manifesto Points To T***p As ‘White Identity’
The 74-page manifesto attempts to explain the terrorist attack, the worst in New Zealand’s history, and also states that he supported President Donald T***p, calling him a “symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose’ not as a ‘policy maker,” according to the Daily Mail.
‘Unprecedented Act of Violence’
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who spoke soon after the shooting massacre, called it “one of New Zealand’s darkest days.”
“I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence, an act that [has] absolutely no place in New Zealand,” Ardern said.
Lockdown Lifted On Schools, Hospital
Local schools and the hospital that was accepting shooting victims were placed on lockdown soon after the shooting, and people were urged to stay indoors while police searched for the suspects. Police confirm that bombs had been attached to two cars, but those were disarmed before detonation.
Murder Suspect Expected In Court
New Zealand police in a press conference said that one man in his late 20s has been charged with murder. He’s expected to appear in court in Christchurch within the next day or two. Three others have been apprehended, but it’s unclear what their possible role in the massacre. They think one of those people, who was armed at the time, may have had nothing to do with the incident.
Last Updated on March 15, 2019 by Emily Reily