Multiple Casualties in the Mosque Shootout in Christchurch, New Zealand; Suspect in Custody

Police officials reported multiple casualties after the "serious ongoing firearms incident" in two respective mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand at 1:40 PM (local time) 14th March 2019.

New Zealand Police Department and eyewitnesses confirmed multiple firing at two mosques in the city of Christchurch.

CAPTION: New Zealand Mosque

SOURCE: cbsnews

The gunmen opened fire at the mosque for about "10 to 15 minutes" targeting the people inside the sacred place.

According to Mohan Ibn Ibrahim

There were more than 200 people inside. The gunman came from the backside. Gunshots went on for a long time. We had to jump the wall to escape,

He further told CNN that while exiting he saw numerous bodies lying in the mosque's floor following the shootout.

He further added

I came to the street I saw one person got shot on his chest,

They told me that five people died over there in that mosque, and I have seen with my own eyes, three people dead on the street,

Several policemen have been dispatched to different mosques within the Christchurch area.

The police have reported that they are trying to bring the situation under control.

3/5 We urge New Zealanders to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111. We are mobilising resources nationally and support is being brought into the District. We are still working to resolve this incident and we continue to urge Christchurch...

— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019

The police have urged all civilians in the Christchurch area to remain indoors until further notice and all the schools within the area are locked down.

A suspect from the incident has been kept in custody of the New Zealander police.

The Bangladesh cricket team who were visiting the country are safe and weren't present near the site of the shootout.