Christchurch attack: World leaders condemn attack, tribute pours in for victims

New Delhi: World leaders have strongly condemned the Christchurch attack that shook New Zealand on March 15. At least 49 people were killed at two mosques in the area. Within 24 hours, Twitter was flooded with condolence messages and users expressed solidarity with the country. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned the attack and said that it is “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. 

 Here are some of the tweets: 

What has happened in Christchurch is an extraordinary act of unprecedented violence. It has no place in New Zealand. Many of those affected will be members of our migrant communities – New Zealand is their home – they are us.

— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) March 15, 2019

My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019

Attacking people during prayers is absolutely appalling, and Canada strongly condemns today’s shootings in New Zealand. Our thoughts and hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we join New Zealanders and Muslim communities around the world in grieving.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 15, 2019

Japan expresses its sincere solidarity with the people of New Zealand in overcoming this difficult time. https://t.co/XpZFvLv7az

— 安倍晋三 (@AbeShinzo) March 15, 2019

My heart breaks for New Zealand & the global Muslim community. We must continue to fight the perpetuation and normalization of Islamophobia and racism in all its forms.

White supremacist terrorists must be condemned by leaders everywhere. Their murderous hatred must be stopped.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 15, 2019

Michelle and I send our condolences to the people of New Zealand. We grieve with you and the Muslim community. All of us must stand against hatred in all its forms.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 15, 2019

New Zealand. I'm so sorry this has happened.

— Colin Hanks (@ColinHanks) March 15, 2019

No. I’m broken from this.#NZMosqueShooting

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 15, 2019

Sending so much love to Christchurch, and to New Zealand. This is monstrous.

— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) March 15, 2019

Horrified by the news of the mass shootings in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Hate knows no boundaries, especially when so heavily armed. Thinking of the shattered lives and communities, where hundreds had gathered for Friday prayers.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) March 15, 2019

Praying for the families and anyone affected by the shooting in New Zealand. Nobody deserves to leave this world by violent crimes, so much life being taken away.

Spread love.

— Ninja 🇺🇸 (@Ninja) March 15, 2019

The entire attack seemed orchestrated for the social media age. Before it took place, a post on the anonymous message board 8chan—a particularly lawless forum that often features racist and extremist posts—seemed to preview the horror. 

Before the attack, the gunman told his online viewers to subscribe to the YouTube channel of PewDiePie, who has 89 million followers on the platform.PewDiePie, a Swedish gaming YouTuber whose real name is Felix Kjellberg, has in the past promoted alt-right themes and attracted criticism for lauding an anti-Semitic YouTube channel.

All together the world has shown solidarity with New Zealand and ensured all the support to fight against the terror.