NZ mosques' attacker ‘met extreme right-wing groups’ during Europe trip

The terrorist arrested over the murder of 49 people at mosques in New Zealand is said to have met ‘extreme right-wing groups’ during his trip to Europe two years ago, according to security sources, Independent reported.

The British online newspaper said that the tragic event is being probed from the international dimension and whether the gunman, who has identified himself as Brenton Tarrant, has links with violent, racist individuals or organisations based Europe or Asia.

Other than Tarrant, three more people – two men and one woman – were held in custody. One suspect was released after being questioned by police yesterday.

Tarrant, 28, who hails from Australia, live-streamed his killings of children, women and men at two mosques on 8chan – an extreme right-wing forum from where the video was widely disseminated, Independent said.

“In the footage, which he filmed using a head-mounted camera, the man divulged his racist and anti-immigrant views before opening fire on people at random people.”

The shocking terror attack aimed at the Muslim community sent shock waves across the globe, people from all walks of life have severely condemned the terrorist attack.

What happened?

During afternoon prayers on Friday — Islam’s holy day — a gunman opened fire inside the Masjid al Noor mosque in central Christchurch, killing forty-one. Another seven were slain at a second mosque five kilometres away in suburban Linwood, three of them outside the building. It is unclear where the remaining victim died.

Witnesses said some victims were shot at close range, with a Palestinian man at one of the mosques saying he saw someone shot in the head.

He described shots fired in quick succession and scenes of panic as people started running out “covered in blood”.