New Zealand mosque attacks: Death toll rises to 50, police commissioner says

James Morris17 March 2019

The death toll of the New Zealand mosque attacks has risen to 50.

The number of fatalities had previously stood at 49, but police said on Saturday night UK time it had increased after all bodies were recovered from the two mosques in Christchurch.

New Zealand police commissioner Mike Bush said at a news conference in Wellington: "It is with sadness that I advise the number of people who have died in this awful event has now risen to 50.

"As of last night we were able to take all of the victims from both of those scenes and in doing so we have located a further victim.

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"I also want to say the number of injured is also 50. Thirty-six of those remain in Christchurch Hospital, where they are being treated with the utmost care and professionalism."

New Zealand police commissioner Mike Bush at a news conference on Saturday where he confirmed the death toll of the Christchurch attacks has risen to 50
BBC

Two people remain in a critical condition, Mr Bush added.

One man, Brenton Tarrant, 28, has been charged with murder and remanded in custody.

Mr Bush said: "At this moment, only one person has been charged in relation to these attacks. I will not be saying anything conclusive until we are absolutely convinced as to how many people were involved - but we hope to be able to give that advice over the next few days."

He also added the gunman had obtained a firearms licence in New Zealand in 2017.

Asked about the two police officers who apprehended the suspect, Mr Bush said: "Those two police officers acted with absolute courage. I am so proud of what they have done.

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"They have prevented further deaths and risked their own lives to do so.

"They are overwhelmed and humbled by the feedback they are getting, [but] if you asked them they would tell you they are just doing their job."

Of security across the country, Mr Bush added: "New Zealand Police and emergency services remain absolutely vigilant to keep all New Zealanders, and everyone who visits here, safe from harm.

"In terms of the security we have around mosques around New Zealand, that will continue until we believe there is no threat."

Mr Bush said that two people arrested around the time Tarrant was apprehended are not believed to have been involved in the attacks on the two mosques on Friday.

One person has been released without charge while the other has been charged with firearms offences.

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