March 15, 2019 turned out to be a dark day in New Zealand. Forty-nine people were killed in the shootings at two mosques in central Christchurch in a terrorist attack that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described as “an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence.” As per reports, a 28-year-old man has been charged with murder and two explosive devices were found attached to a vehicle that the officials stopped. He livestreamed the shooting on social media and had also released a manifesto on white genocide before targeting immigrants.
The police has requested people to stay away from the mosques until further notice.
Bangladesh’s cricket players had a narrow escape when the gunman killed and wounded several people during Friday prayers at the two mosques. The team was arriving at one of the mosques for prayers when the attack happened, but made it back to their hotel safely. Needless to say, their tour was called off. Numerous cricketers reacted to the horrendous attack on two mosques in Christchurch, expressing their deep sorrow and regret.
Virat Kohli
Source: Twitter
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli called the attack shocking and tragic. His thoughts went out to the Bangladesh team that had a close shave.
VVS Laxman
Source: Twitter
Former Indian cricketer and commentator VVS Laxman expressed shock over the incident and sent prayers to the families.
Mahela Jayawardena
Source: Twitter
Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardena also expressed sorrow.
Tamim Iqbal Khan
Source: Twitter
Tamim Iqbal Khan, a left-handed opening batsman from Bangladesh, expressed his relief and concern over the safety of the entire team.
Shahid Afridi
Source: Twitter
Shahid Afridi, former captain of the Pakistan team, called the incident a horrifying tragedy. The cricketer urged people to stop terrorism, stating it has no religion.
Rohit Sharma
Source: Twitter
Rohit Sharma questioned the very definition of humanity.
Dinesh Karthik
Source: Twitter
Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik also tweeted about the attack and called it disgraceful.
R Sridhar
Source: Twitter
R Sridhar, the coach of the Indian cricket team, prayed for the departed souls and expressed his condolences to their near and dear ones.
Faf Du Plessis
Source: Twitter
Faf Du Plessis, the current captain of the South African national team, sent his love to all the families affected in Christchurch.
Tim Cook
Source: Twitter
Apple CEO Tim Cook took to Twitter and claimed that he’d been devastated after hearing about the attack. He also quoted Martin Luther King, urging people to stick with love, as the burden of hate is too great to bear.
The authorities arrested four people and defused the improved explosive devices from the vehicles of the attacker. The perpetrator had live-streamed the attack and after targeting the mosques in Christchurch and Linwood he said that he would attack the third mosque in Ashburton if he could make it there.
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