New Zealand Police say the number of people dead in the mass shooting that occurred at two mosques in Christchurch, has now climbed to 50.

Iran Press/Asia: "As of last night we were able to take all of the victims from both of those scenes and in doing so we have further located another victim," New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said in a press conference from the city of Wellington on Sunday.

Another 50 people were injured in the shootings. Of those injured, 36 people are hospitalized, with two in critical condition.

Bush said that heightened security around mosques in New Zealand will continue until authorities determine there is no longer a threat.

The 28-year-old suspected gunman appeared in court on Saturday and was charged with murder. Bush said he will appear in New Zealand's high court in early April. Authorities are considering additional charges for the suspect, including the country's Terrorism Suppression Act.

The suspect had a New Zealand firearms licence that he obtained in 2017. Police are still working to identify what type of weapon was used, but Bush said 'it's quite obvious' he modified his firearm.

The suspect was apprehended in his car by two police officers. Bush said he believes the officers prevented further deaths 'and risked their lives doing so'.

Bush also clarified information surrounding the arrests of three other individuals. He said two people were apprehended in a vehicle near the scene of the shootings and that a firearm was seized from them. The woman from the vehicle was released without charge; the man has been charged with firearm offenses. 103/211

 

Read more:

Racist attack at London Mosque hours after New Zealand shooting

New Zealand crime reaffirms the need for countering Islamophobia: Rouhani

Muslim world reacts to New Zealand mosque attacks