New Zealand Mosque Mass-Shooting: With Death Toll Touching 49, Authorities Arrest Four Suspects

The New Zealand authorities have arrested four suspects in connection with the gruesome mass-shootings at two Christchurch mosques, The Tribune has reported.

The suspects are believed to be three men and one women, one of whom has now been charged for murder.

The main gunman is believed to have been an Australian born Brenton Tarrant. He is said to have released a racist manifesto on social media prior to the crime.

He also live streamed the shooting which targeted the city’s main Al Noor mosque and a mosque situated in the suburb of Linwood. Two explosive devices strapped on vehicles were also found and were later disarmed.

Seventeen flights in an out of Christchurch have been cancelled and city infrastructure including schools have been placed on lock down. Residents too have been asked to stay off the streets.

Currently about 48 victims are undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds. Nine people of Indian origin are believed to be missing following the shooting.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden has described the shooting as terror attack amidst international condemnation of the crime and outpouring of sympathies for those affected.