NZ: Nothing to do with Islam attack leaves 3 people in “critical condition”

Coster said police had done everything “within the law” to monitor the man prior to the attack.

“I acknowledge this situation poses questions about whether police could have acted faster or done more,” Coster said.

“I am confident we have done everything we can within the law … we were doing everything we could to monitor him.

“The fact we were able to react within 60 seconds shows that.”

The attack is New Zealand’s most violent terrorist act since the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019, when 51 worshippers were killed in a premeditated attack carried out by an Australian white nationalist.

Asked if the Friday attack could have been revenge for the 2019 mosque shootings, Ardern said it was not clear, adding she did not want to see a backlash against any specific community after the incident.

“What happened today was despicable. It was hateful. It was wrong,” she said.

“It was carried out by an individual, not a faith, not a culture, not an ethnicity, but by an individual person who was gripped by ideology that is not supported here.

“He alone carries the responsibility for these acts.”

Australia reacts

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is among those to offer his support to New Zealanders in the wake of the terror attack.

“Australia condemns the horrific terrorist attack in Auckland,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected.

“We stand with our Kiwi family in deploring all such violent acts designed to create fear and divide us.

“Kia kaha (stay strong) New Zealand.”

The imam for one of two mosques targeted on the day of the Christchurch shootings of 2019, Gamal Fouda, said Friday was New Zealand’s “darkest day” since then.

“It’s a horrible thing … not just for the Muslim community but for all New Zealanders,” he told Stuff.

“This person is not understanding of what our religion is about.”

‘This person is not understanding of what our religion is about.’

Frightening first-hand reports have emerged in the hours since the supermarket attack.

Michelle Miller, a resident of nearby Avondale, told Radio NZ she saw a man “running around with a knife, then he just lost the plot”.

“It’s horrific. I feel sorry for the Countdown staff, I feel sorry for the people who were actually hurt here today,” she said.

Countdown spokeswoman Kiri Hannifin said staff were “devastated” by the attack.

“Our hearts are heavy knowing what our team and customers have witnessed and been through,” she said in a statement.

Auckland is under a strict lockdown as it battles an outbreak of COVID driven by the Delta variant.

Most businesses are shut and people are generally only allowed to leave their homes to buy groceries, for medical needs, and exercise.

“To everyone who was there and who witnessed such a horrific event, I can’t imagine how they will be feeling in the aftermath,” Ardern said.

“But thank you for coming to the aid of those who needed you when they needed you.”

– with CNN and NBC