Police say gunman was 'not willing to be arrested' after carrying out Christchurch terror attacks

March 16, 2019
People have laid flowers and written on the ground with chalk at Kilbirnie Mosque in Wellington.

1 NEWS' live morning updates after 49 people were killed in a terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch yesterday. Click here for the latest afternoon and evening updates.

1.45pm -  Tonight’s Highlanders-Crusaders Super Rugby match in Dunedin has been cancelled. 

1.40pm - Of the arrest, Commissioner Bush said: "That person was not willing to be arrested, again I think you've probably seen some of the live video, there was live audio coming back to my command centre in Wellington of that apprehension. I can tell you as I was listening to that the person was non-compliant."

"Our staff, who were well equipped, engaged with that person and put themselves in real danger to keep the community safe from further harm."

1.36pm - The accused, Brenton Tarrant, was not known to any authorities and had no previous convictions, Commissioner Bush has said.

1.29pm - It took police 36 minutes from the time of the call to arresting the accused. Police bosses are pleased with this response time.

1.26pm -  Commissioner Bush says he has no intelligence about further attacks but police are not assuming anything.

1.24pm - Officials from the various agencies have also acknowledged the brave work of staff across the emergency services.

1.20pm - Commissioner Bush also thanked the religious leaders who have offered support.

1.18pm - He says the priority is public safety with staff employed in Christchurch and across the country in a bid to keep the public safe.

1.17pm - Commissioner Mike Bush is now fronting media in Christchurch.

1.05pm - Eleven people are in the intensive care, all are considered critically ill, Mr Robertson said.

1.03pm -  Greg Robertson, chief of surgery, says seven of the 48 hospitalised yesterday as a result of the attack have been discharged. He says the injured ranged in ages from one child aged two to the very elderly. Twelve operating theatres were used to treat patients overnight.

1.00pm -  David Meates, the chief executive of the Canterbury DHB, is fronting media now. 

12.36pm -  A large tribute is building outside a mosque in the Wellington suburb of Kilbirnie.

People have laid flowers and written on the ground with chalk.

12.30pm - Jacinda Ardern has arrived in Christchurch.

12.28pm -  Police Association President Chris Cahill has released a statement saying he welcomes Jacinda Ardern's early commitment to changing New Zealand’s gun laws.

12.06pm - The Warriors are giving tickets away to this evening's season opener free-of-charge following the attacks yesterday. The club says it gives the public a chance to stand together in solidarity.

The 28-year-old Australian citizen, who resided in Dunedin, is due in court today charged with murder.

Donald Trump called the Prime Minister to ask what the US could do.

12.02pm -  The Christchurch Foundation has been established a new fund to help raise money to support the families and Muslim communities impacted by the tragic events, now and into the future. The fund, which is called Our People, Our City.

 Anyone wishing to gift to the fund can do so by at any TSB branch or by bank transfer to the Foundation’s established bank account listed below:

The Christchurch Foundation 15-3976-0091104-80

Amy Carter, chief executive of The Christchurch Foundation, says The Christchurch Foundation will work with Muslim communities to identify how the funds will be distributed and when.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by what is happened in our city yesterday.  Christchurch remains a place where all peace-loving people are welcome and warmly embraced by our community,” says Mrs Carter.

11.32am - The man, Brenton Tarrant, was not granted name suppression. He wore a white boiler suit.

11.20 am -  A man charged with murder following the deadly shooting yesterday has appeared in court.

The court appearance was brief and the courtroom was closed to the public.

He's been remanded in custody without plea until April 5th.

10.58am - David Meates, Canterbury DHB's chief executive and Greg Robertson, chief of surgery, are also going to speak to media, at 1pm.

10.55am - Commissioner Bush is also travelling to Christchurch where he will speak to media. The time is to be confirmed.

10.51am - The statement in part below:

"A complex investigation is under way into this terrible attack, and Police have a number of a priorities today in terms of investigation and intelligence gathering. 

However another absolute focus for us is to ensure that the victims of this attack, including family members and loved ones of those killed and injured, have the best possible structures in place to provide support and welfare.

This attack has been an enormous shock for all New Zealanders, and I am aware that there is a real sense of fear and concern for personal safety, particularly among our Muslim communities.  

I want to reassure all New Zealanders that we are doing absolutely everything in our power to respond to this attack, and deploying all available resources in communities across New Zealand.

There is a heightened police presence around the country, including at mosques and community events. We do need members of the public to remain vigilant however, and to report anything suspicious to us by calling 111 immediately."

10.49am - Police Commissioner Mike Bush has given an update a short time ago.

He says the 28-year-old man in court today charged with murder will face more charges.

10.23am - Sky New Zealand has decided to remove Sky News Australia from its platform until they are confident the distressing footage from yesterday’s events will not be shared.

10.22am - In Dunedin, the police bomb squad have arrived at the address of interest on Sommerville Street 

10.06am - Police have just released a statement saying the Christchurch District Court will be closed to the public during the appearance of the 28-year-old man charged with murder.

This is due to the heightened security risk though media can still attend.

9.56am - The Prime Minister's media conference has ended. We'll have video of that shortly. She is now travelling to Christchurch.

9.52am -  Ms Ardern says the accused travelled sporadically over the years. He spent time in New Zealand periodically over the years.

9.46am - The Prime Minister said President Trump asked what they could do, she told him to give sympathy and love for all Muslim communities. He acknowledged and agreed.

9.45am - The Prime Minister has reiterated that the man was not on a watchlist.

9.42am - Following this media conference, the Prime Minister will travel to Christchurch with other political leaders.

9.40am - "We are all unified in grieving together," Ms Ardern said.

9.38am -  Early indications say those involved include Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Ms Ardern says.

9.36am - Police worked with mosques around the country to keep them safe. They are closed, the PM said.

9.35am -  Ms Ardern says NZ gun laws will change. She also says a line has been set up for anyone in New Zealand who is distressed.

9.34am - He was one of the three arrested. The fourth person in custody was a member of the public with a firearm but with the intention to assist police.

9.32am -  Ms Ardern says the "primary perpetrator" in the mosque shootings was a licensed gun owner and legally acquired the five guns used in the shootings.

9.30am - The Australian citizen charged with murder lived in Dunedin, Ms Ardern has said.

9.29am -  Ms Ardern has confirmed 49 have been killed. Over 40 people are being treated in Christchurch hospital. Two are in critical condition including a 5-year-old transported to Auckland.

9.28am - Jacinda Ardern is live in Wellington now. 

9.22am - Family members of victims are gathering outside court where the man charged with murder is due to appear. Oma Nabi says his father, who was one of the first Muslims in New Zealand, was shot in the back. 

9.09am - The Prime Minister was scheduled to speak at 9am but has been delayed. We'll have that as soon as it comes through.

For updates earlier in the day - go here

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