Christchurch mosque attacks: 49 killed in New Zealand, gunman an Australian citizen

At least 49 people were killed on Friday when a gunman opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, including the Al-Nur mosque, police commissioner Mike Bush confirmed. Earlier, New Zealand’s Prime Minister had put the toll at 40, with about 20 people seriously injured.

What the authorities said

The Prime Minister called it one of the country’s darkest days and described it as a terror attack that appeared to have been planned in advance. Explosives were found in two vehicles and made safe, and police later defused devices in other vehicles, leading officials to treat it as a major terror plot. Four people, one woman and three men, were taken into custody.

Police ordered all mosques in the city to stay shut, asked people to keep away from the area, closed schools and colleges and urged residents to remain indoors while they dealt with what they described as an active shooter situation.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the gunman was an Australian-born citizen and described him as “a militant, right-wing, violent terrorist”. He declined to give more details, saying the investigation was being led by New Zealand.

Bangladesh cricket team safe

The Bangladesh cricket team was reported to have been at the mosque when the shooting began. A Bangladesh Cricket Board official said all the players were safe at their hotel and that the board was in contact with New Zealand authorities. The Test match between Bangladesh and New Zealand due to start in Christchurch on Saturday was called off. About 300 people were said to have been in the mosque for Friday prayers.

Originally published on 15 March 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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