TV News Script

One of New Zealand’s Darkest Days:

Mysterious Shootings in Christchurch

Good evening, thanks for joining us, I’m Ferly Arvidia.  There have been mysterious shootings in two mosques in Christchurch City, New Zealand this afternoon, Friday, March 15, 2019. There are at least forty-nine people were killed and dozens injured in shootings at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque. In what Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said was a well-planned terror attack, forcing the government to place the country on its highest security threat level. Of the confirmed 49 people dead, 41 were killed at Al Noor Mosque and seven killed at Linwood Mosque. Another one died in Christchurch Hospital, where dozens, including children, are being treated. Wounds range from minor to critical, health authorities said.

All mosques in the country have been asked to close their doors by the police. Christchurch was also initially placed under lockdown. Ms Ardern said Friday was “one of New Zealand’s darkest days". Ms Ardern said that this could only be described as a terrorist attack at here televised press conference on Friday. She said that from what we knew, it did appear to had been well planned. She added that two explosive devices attached to suspect vehicles had now been found and they had been disarmed. Their threat level had been lifted by them from low to high. Their response had been tightened by them from their agancies at the border, at the airports. In fact, at every level, they have a heightened response. She said three people in police custody held extremist views, but had not been on any police watchlist. While the police didn't had anything to believe at this stage that there were any other suspects, that were not being assumed by them at this stage.

Police commissioner Mike Bush says the number of people killed has increased to 49 - the authorities had said earlier put the toll at 40. A man in his late 20s has been charged with murder and will appear in court tomorrow. The man was declined by Mr Bush to identify. One of those arrested may have had nothing to do with the attack, the police chief said. The two other people arrested in possession of firearms are still being investigated. Mr Bush said there have had no other threats since the mosque shootings and the police were not looking at more suspects.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison earlier confirmed that one of the four people taken into custody is Australian. Media reports had said that a man who called himself  "Brenton Tarrant" - a white, 28-year-old Australia-born man - claimed to be the shooter and livestreamed the shooting for 17 minutes. He said that he could confirmed that the individual who was taken into custody that he had been advised is an Australia-born citizen. When reporters were told by him in Sydney.

He said that they grieved, they were shocked, they were appalled, they were outraged, and they stood here and condemn absolutely the attack that occured today by an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist. Mr Morrison said he has been in contact with Ms Ardern, and that New Zealand authorities are being worked with Australian agencies.

This is the UPN News today. Look forward to other news on the next UPN News. I'm Ferly Arvidia, thank you and see you.