New Zealand attacker charged with murder

(AFP file)

Twenty-eight-year-old Brenton Tarrant, the main suspect in the Christchurch terror attack that claimed 49 lives, was charged with murder at a court on Saturday as New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern vowed to change the country's gun laws.
The right-wing extremist appeared before the Christchurch district court in a white prison jumpsuit, handcuffed and barefoot. Flanked by two police officers, he smirked when media photographed him during the hearing and was seen making a white supremacist sign with his hands.
The Australian stood silent during the brief hearing as he was charged with one count of murder. He was remanded in custody without plea and is due to appear in court on April 5.
Two other people were also being investigated over the attacks. These three detained people were not on any New Zealand or Australian watchlists and were not known to the police.
According to authorities, it remained unclear how many attackers were involved in the attack or if the same man attacked both mosques.
49 people were injured in shootings at Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Avenue Masjid in the city on Friday.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: "The man is currently facing one count of murder but there will be further charges". She visited a refugee and migrant centre in Christchurch as thousands of people across the country laid flowers at mosques and attended vigils.
Speaking at a news conference, the Prime Minister said the suspect's car was full of weapons, suggesting "his intention to continue with his attack".
He had obtained a gun licence in November 2017 that allowed him to buy the weapons used in the attack. He used five guns, including two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns. "A lever-action firearm was also found," she said, later adding that the guns appeared to have been modified.
"The mere fact... that this individual had acquired a gun licence and acquired weapons of that range, then obviously I think people will be seeking change, and I'm committed to that," she said.