New Zealand police said Saturday that the District Court would be closed to the public during the appearance of the 28-year-old suspect charged with murder in relation to Friday's Mosque attacks in Christchurch, citing the heightened security risk.

On Friday a gunman opened fired at two mosques in New Zealand, killing at least 49 people. At least 49 people have been confirmed killed as a result of shootings at three locations in the east coast city Christchurch, with two of them being mosques.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated that the shooter in the Christchurch mosque attack was an Australian citizen, describing the suspect as an "extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist".
According to the New Zealand police, three men and 1 woman are in custody following the shootings. The authorities have also reportedly found and secured improvised explosive devices amid the mosque attacks. READ MORE: What You Need to Know About Mosques Shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand

New Zealand Mosque Shooting ©
AP Photo / Mark Baker WATCH Moment Police Officers Arrest Suspect Behind Christchurch Mosque Shooting
Two armed guards brought Brenton Tarrant into court Saturday, AP reported. Tarrant  reportedly showed no expression as District Court Judge Paul Kellar read one charge of murder to him. The court appearance lasted only about a minute and he was led back out in handcuffs. He was ordered to return to court again 5 April, according to media reports.
After Tarrant left, the judge said that while "there is one charge of murder brought at the moment, it is reasonable to assume that there will be others", as quoted by AP.
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  • 03:25

    New Zealand Police Commissioner Addresses Christchurch Shooting Attack

    "I'm here to ensure everyone involved in this tragic event and the investigation gets every support they need," he said as cited by the New Zealand Herald.    
    "Our priorities are public safety, not just here in Canterbury but nationally. We've deployed staff right across the country.""Making sure these people so horribly affected get every piece of support they need to get them through this tragic time. The investigation is also a priority," Bush said.
    New Zealand Police Commissioner said what charges Tarrant faces when he returns to High Court in April will be determined by the course the investigation takes between now and then, the New Zealand Herald reports.
    According to Bush the person who was arrested was "not willing to be arrested."
    Police have a number of leads they are investigating, he said. 

    "We want to assure the public we are not searching for anyone who is an immediate risk, but that doesn't mean they don't exist," Bush highlited. 
    Tarrant's home in Dunedin is being searched now, but had to be made safe before police entered the property, Bush said as quoted by the New Zealand Herald.

  • 02:20

    New Zealand’s PM Jacinda Ardern Arrives in Christchurch - Report
    New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has arrived in Christchurch. She is joined by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, Opposition leader Simon Bridges, Green Party co-leader James Shaw, Police Commissioner Mike Bush, and senior Ministers and officials, New Zealand Herald reports.

  • 01:52

    New Zealand Mosque Shooting Suspect Charged With Murder - Christchurch District Court
    The court appearance lasted reportedly about a minute and Brenton Harrison Tarrant was led back out in handcuffs. Tarrant was ordered to return to court again 5 April. After Tarrant left, District Court Judge Paul Kellar said, quoted by AP that "there is one charge of murder brought at the moment, it is reasonable to assume that there will be others".

  • 01:40

    Security Tightened at Christchurch District Court for Appearance of Accused Mosque Shooter

  • 01:34

    Christchurch Shooting Suspect to Remain in Custody Until 5 April - Reports
    Duty lawyer Richard Peters said Saturday no application for bail would be made. No application for name suppression was made. Brenton Harrison Tarrant was remanded in custody without plea to the High Court in Christchurch on 5 April, according to New Zealand Herald.

  • 01:30

    New Zealand Police Commissioner to Address Christchurch Shooting Attack
    "I am travelling to Christchurch this morning where I will speak to media. I will be accompanied by the Canterbury District Commander and other local emergency service leaders. The time and location will be confirmed via media release as soon as possible", New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said Saturday.

liveChristchurch Shooter Charged With Murder, Remains in Custody Until 5 April –+

  • 03:25
    New Zealand Police Commissioner Addresses Christchurch Shooting Attack
  • 02:20
    New Zealand’s PM Jacinda Ardern Arrives in Christchurch - Report
  • 01:52
    New Zealand Mosque Shooting Suspect Charged With Murder - Christchurch District Court
  • 01:40
    Security Tightened at Christchurch District Court for Appearance of Accused Mosque Shooter
  • 01:34
    Christchurch Shooting Suspect to Remain in Custody Until 5 April - Reports
  • 01:30
    New Zealand Police Commissioner to Address Christchurch Shooting Attack
Source: sputniknews.com