March 15, Friday proved to be a black day in the history of New Zealand, as two mosques in Christchurch came under attacks by shooters and left atleast 49 people dead. In what appeared to be the worst attack against Muslims in a western country, witnesses spoke of victims being shot at close range, with women and children believed to be among those killed.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, saying it marked "one of New Zealand's darkest days".
One gunman, identified as an Australian extremist, live streamed the shooting on social media. The city of Christchurch was put under lockdown. Incidentally, the Bangladesh cricket team was also in Christchurch to play the third Test of the series against New Zealand and players were at the sight of shootings at the Al Noor mosque, where they had gone for Friday prayers.
Tamim Iqbal and other players were told not to leave the bus, but after some time, they ran to the Hagley Oval nearby and were confined to the dressing rooms. Other players and support staff of both teams were told to stay in their hotel rooms under situation was brought under control. The third Test was canceled and the Bangladeshi team is flying home.
The international cricket fraternity was shocked by the mass shooting incidents in one of the quietest countries in the world and showed solidarity with the nation and condemned the attacks.
Here are some tweets:
