Some of the victims of the horrific terror attack in mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand have been identified.
While the death toll rose to 49 as of Saturday, many others are still missing. More than 20 people sustained severe injuries.
The main suspect in the killings, identified as Brenton Harrison Tarrant, did not enter a plea when he appeared in Christchurch District Court on Saturday.
He was charged with one count of murder but the number is expected to rise in the coming days.
Authorities said the attack was carefully planned on Friday noon as the two mosques were filled with worshippers.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the atrocities one of the New Zealand’s “darkest days”.
The killing was apparently live streamed on social media.
Before the shooting began, an account now being linked to perpetrator posted a link to an 87-page anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim ideas and explanations for an attack.
Martin Hunter/EPA via Irish Times
