CHRISTCHURCH -- At least 27 people were killed in multiple shootings in the two mosques of New Zealand's Christchurch on Friday afternoon.
No less than two gunmen opened fire at two separate mosques in Christchurch, according to local media. Witnesses described that there was much blood and multiple deaths. At least 50 rounds of gunshots were heard during the shooting, one witness said.
At least 27 people were shot dead. Some reports also said that gunshots happened in six different places.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke to the public at 4 p.m. local time. She said, "This is one of New Zealand's darkest days. My thoughts are with Christchurch."
"It is an unprecedented violence in New Zealand. There is no place for such extreme violence in New Zealand," she added.
According to reports, a gunman in camouflage uniform opened fire inside the Masjid Al Noor mosque full of people in central Christchurch during the afternoon praying time.
The Bangladesh cricket team was about to enter the mosque when the shooting occurred, so the team members fled to safety.
Local media also reported another shooting at a second mosque on a Christchurch suburb.
Police said they have already captured one suspect, and are hunting other possible suspects.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said one person is in custody. However, police believed there may be other offenders.
Bush also confirmed there had been a number of fatalities, with the situation still evolving.
Police told the people to stay indoors. All mosques were urged to shut their doors, and people were advised to refrain from visiting these premises until further notice.
Armed police personnel have been deployed. Local streets and schools were locked down.
Christchurch airport operates as normal.
Chinese Consul General in Christchurch Wang Zhijian told Xinhua that emergency response has been activated. No casualty among Chinese citizens has been reported yet.
The Consulate General office is working with local police to further check if any Chinese citizen was caught in the gunfire. (Xinhua)
