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15 democrats are running
8 more said they might run

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The 2020 U.S. Presidential Race: A Cheat Sheet

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Justin Amash took up the Libertarian Party’s standard late in the race. Then he abruptly decided to put it back down again.

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Mass shooting at mosques in New Zealand, 49 were killed and 29 seriously injured. 3 suspects in custody for the terrorist attack. 1 already charged with murder was in possession of a anti muslim pamphlet.

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By Ben Westcott, Jenni Marsh, Helen Regan, Meg Wagner, Brian Ries, Veronica Rocha, Aimee Lewis, Rob Picheta and Harmeet Kaur, CNN

Updated 10:34 PM ET, Sat March 16, 2019

What we know now

Terror attack on mosques: At least 50 people were killed and 50 wounded, in a hate-filled terror attack targeting two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.

The suspect: The shooter, identified as 28-year-old Australian citizen Brenton Harrison Tarrant, has been charged with murder. Authorities found an 87-page manifesto filled with anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim ideas.

Gun laws will be tightened: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she would change the country's firearm laws in response to the attacks

Here's how you can help the victims.

10:04 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Our live coverage has moved

The latest updates on the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attack can be found here.

8:55 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Many victims required multiple surgeries, head of surgery says

From Susanna Capelouto

Thirty-four patients are still receiving treatment at Christchurch Hospital and two were discharged on Sunday, Christchurch Hospital Head of Surgery Greg Robertson said in a press conference.

"Twelve remain in intensive care and one girl was transferred to a children's hospital," Robertson said, adding "Many patients require multiple surgeries."

6:36 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Police aren't saying yet whether any other suspects were involved in the attack

From Susanna Capelouto

So far, only suspected shooter Brenton Tarrant has been charged with murder for the attack on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday, according to New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

Bush said at a press conference Sunday that others had been arrested but that police did not believe they were involved in the attack.

"I will not be saying anything conclusive until we are absolutely convinced as to how many people were involved, but we hope to be able to give that advice over the next few days," Bush added.

Two other people were apprehended, Bush said, and police seized a firearm from them. The woman was released without charge, while the other man was charged with firearms offenses.

One additional man was also arrested in the aftermath of the shooting, but police said they don't believe he was involved in the attack either. Bush said the man was helping get children to safety but that he armed himself, "which is not the right approach."

6:18 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
A father of four chased off the shooter during the attack

From Matthew McKew for CNN

Abdul Aziz Wahabzadah says he was inside Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, when a gunman opened fire.

Wahabzadah grabbed a credit card reader and ran outside the building. He threw the credit card reader at the suspect while shouting at him in an attempt to distract the shooter away from the mosque.

"I was screaming at the guy, 'Come here, I'm here'," Wahabzadah told CNN. "I just want him to put more focus on me than go inside the masjid ("mosque"). But unfortunately, he got himself to the masjid."

Wahabzadah's four children were inside the mosque.

Wahabzadah said the shooter then dropped his weapon and ran back to his car. Wahabzadah said he thought the shooter went to get more weapons from his car.

Wahabzadah told CNN he ran after the shooter and picked up a discarded weapon of the gunman, which he described as a "shotgun." He threw it at the gunman's car, shattering his window.

"When he sees me I am chasing with a gun, he sat in his car", Wahabzadah said. "And I just got the gun and throw it on his window like an arrow and blast his window. He thought probably I shot him or something and then he drive off."

Wahabzadah didn't stop there. He said he continued chasing after him but the shooter did a U-turn and raced off.

It was then that Wahabzadah said he returned to the mosque to discover the scope of the violence.

4:50 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Death toll rises to 50

Fifty people were killed and 50 others were wounded in the attack, New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters.

The death toll had been previously reported as 49.

A Syrian refugee and his teenage sons, a Pakistani academic and a blossoming student are among the victims of Friday's attacks, the biggest massacre in New Zealand's modern history.

As authorities begin to release information on the victims, here's what we know so far.

4:45 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
SOON: New Zealand police give an update on the attack

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush is about to speak to reporters in Wellington to provide an update on the Christchurch attack.
Watch it here.

2:43 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
49 prayer mats for the 49 victims

A group of people in Melbourne, Australia, took part in a vigil for the victims of the attacks at two Christchurch, New Zealand, mosques, according to Zahraa Albadri.

They put out 49 prayer mats with candles for the 49 victims.
Here's a photo from the scene:

1:34 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Survivor posts video from hospital bed

Wasseim Alsati, who survived the Christchurch terror attack, posted a Facebook video from his hospital bed on Friday thanking people for their support.

In the caption, Alsati says he was shot three times and "was in a lot of pain."
Watch here:
Here's what he said:

Hi guys, how are you? I'm very sorry to miss your calls and text messages. I will not be able to answer anyone for now. I am really tired. Okay, guys? Please pray for my son, for me and for my daughter. Hopefully she will be so much better. Okay? I'm just posting this video to show you that I am fully okay. Okay, guys? It's been a pleasure to know you all, guys. Thank you for all the support and all the help that you have given me so far. God bless you all.

1:00 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Candles burn outside one of the New Zealand mosques

This photo was taken at 2:45 a.m. across the street from the Al Noor mosque, where 41 people were killed on Friday.

Flowers line the area behind the police tape and candles are burning to remember the victims.

In a video on Twitter, police officers were seen earlier taking flowers from a memorial into their police car so they could place them outside the mosque.

What we know now

Terror attack on mosques: At least 50 people were killed and 50 wounded, in a hate-filled terror attack targeting two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.

The suspect: The shooter, identified as 28-year-old Australian citizen Brenton Harrison Tarrant, has been charged with murder. Authorities found an 87-page manifesto filled with anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim ideas.

Gun laws will be tightened: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she would change the country's firearm laws in response to the attacks

Here's how you can help the victims.

10:04 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Our live coverage has moved

The latest updates on the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attack can be found here.

8:55 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Many victims required multiple surgeries, head of surgery says

From Susanna Capelouto

Thirty-four patients are still receiving treatment at Christchurch Hospital and two were discharged on Sunday, Christchurch Hospital Head of Surgery Greg Robertson said in a press conference.

"Twelve remain in intensive care and one girl was transferred to a children's hospital," Robertson said, adding "Many patients require multiple surgeries."

6:36 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Police aren't saying yet whether any other suspects were involved in the attack

From Susanna Capelouto

So far, only suspected shooter Brenton Tarrant has been charged with murder for the attack on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday, according to New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

Bush said at a press conference Sunday that others had been arrested but that police did not believe they were involved in the attack.

"I will not be saying anything conclusive until we are absolutely convinced as to how many people were involved, but we hope to be able to give that advice over the next few days," Bush added.

Two other people were apprehended, Bush said, and police seized a firearm from them. The woman was released without charge, while the other man was charged with firearms offenses.

One additional man was also arrested in the aftermath of the shooting, but police said they don't believe he was involved in the attack either. Bush said the man was helping get children to safety but that he armed himself, "which is not the right approach."

6:18 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
A father of four chased off the shooter during the attack

From Matthew McKew for CNN

Abdul Aziz Wahabzadah says he was inside Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, when a gunman opened fire.

Wahabzadah grabbed a credit card reader and ran outside the building. He threw the credit card reader at the suspect while shouting at him in an attempt to distract the shooter away from the mosque.

"I was screaming at the guy, 'Come here, I'm here'," Wahabzadah told CNN. "I just want him to put more focus on me than go inside the masjid ("mosque"). But unfortunately, he got himself to the masjid."

Wahabzadah's four children were inside the mosque.

Wahabzadah said the shooter then dropped his weapon and ran back to his car. Wahabzadah said he thought the shooter went to get more weapons from his car.

Wahabzadah told CNN he ran after the shooter and picked up a discarded weapon of the gunman, which he described as a "shotgun." He threw it at the gunman's car, shattering his window.

"When he sees me I am chasing with a gun, he sat in his car", Wahabzadah said. "And I just got the gun and throw it on his window like an arrow and blast his window. He thought probably I shot him or something and then he drive off."

Wahabzadah didn't stop there. He said he continued chasing after him but the shooter did a U-turn and raced off.

It was then that Wahabzadah said he returned to the mosque to discover the scope of the violence.

4:50 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Death toll rises to 50

Fifty people were killed and 50 others were wounded in the attack, New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters.

The death toll had been previously reported as 49.

A Syrian refugee and his teenage sons, a Pakistani academic and a blossoming student are among the victims of Friday's attacks, the biggest massacre in New Zealand's modern history.

As authorities begin to release information on the victims, here's what we know so far.

4:45 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
SOON: New Zealand police give an update on the attack

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush is about to speak to reporters in Wellington to provide an update on the Christchurch attack.
Watch it here.

2:43 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
49 prayer mats for the 49 victims

A group of people in Melbourne, Australia, took part in a vigil for the victims of the attacks at two Christchurch, New Zealand, mosques, according to Zahraa Albadri.

They put out 49 prayer mats with candles for the 49 victims.
Here's a photo from the scene:

1:34 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Survivor posts video from hospital bed

Wasseim Alsati, who survived the Christchurch terror attack, posted a Facebook video from his hospital bed on Friday thanking people for their support.

In the caption, Alsati says he was shot three times and "was in a lot of pain."
Watch here:
Here's what he said:

Hi guys, how are you? I'm very sorry to miss your calls and text messages. I will not be able to answer anyone for now. I am really tired. Okay, guys? Please pray for my son, for me and for my daughter. Hopefully she will be so much better. Okay? I'm just posting this video to show you that I am fully okay. Okay, guys? It's been a pleasure to know you all, guys. Thank you for all the support and all the help that you have given me so far. God bless you all.

1:00 p.m. ET, March 16, 2019
Candles burn outside one of the New Zealand mosques

This photo was taken at 2:45 a.m. across the street from the Al Noor mosque, where 41 people were killed on Friday.

Flowers line the area behind the police tape and candles are burning to remember the victims.

In a video on Twitter, police officers were seen earlier taking flowers from a memorial into their police car so they could place them outside the mosque.

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dozens killed in christchurch mosque attack

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By Ben Westcott, Jenni Marsh, Helen Regan, Meg Wagner, Brian Ries, Veronica Rocha, Aimee Lewis, Rob Picheta and Harmeet Kaur, CNN

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Dozens killed in Christchurch mosque attack

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By Ben Westcott, Jenni Marsh, Helen Regan, Meg Wagner, Brian Ries, Veronica Rocha, Aimee Lewis, Rob Picheta and Harmeet Kaur, CNN Updated 10:34 PM ET, Sat March 16, 2019 What we know now Terror attack on mosques: At least 50 people were killed and 50 wounded, in a hate-filled terror attack targeting two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.

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A mom can always want whats best for their kid, but the NBA might be a long shot. Just because her 3 year-old son is 7 foot 1 inches tall and has a shooting percentage of 70.1 of all shots, doesn't mean he can go all the way. Even high schoolers posting the same numbers have a 0.03 percent chance of making it. Her expectations might just be too high for her son, showing not all dreams may come true.

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Every parent believes deep down that their kid is destined for special things, but one mom is taking it a little too far: This woman thinks her 3-year-old is going to grow up to play in the NBA just because he's already 7 feet tall and has a 70.1 true shooting percentage.

Yikes. This woman definitely needs a reality check. It's no surprise she thinks her son will be capable of anything, but she's really jumping the gun to assume he'll get a professional basketball career because he's making over 70 percent of all free throws, field goals, and three-pointers combined.

Although her kid hasn't even started kindergarten, Nina Donovan of Oswego, NY really thinks his 52-point- and-30-rebound-per-game averages mean that he's going to play in the NBA, despite the fact that even first team all-state high school players like him have just a 0.03 percent chance of ever playing professional ball. Nina may have been over the moon with excitement when she watched her son sink 100 consecutive three-point shots before he was even potty trained, but she needs to take off her "adoring mom" hat for a minute and be honest with herself: The reality is that the NBA is one of the most competitive professional sports leagues in the world, and her 7-foot-tall toddler with a 7.6-foot wingspan faces a long road ahead.

For all Nina knows, her son might not even decided to stick with the sport. She'd better get her dreams in check and quick, or she could be headed for a major disappointment.

Worst of all, Nina has already spent thousands of dollars on top-of-the-line equipment and private lessons for her son, clearly caught up in her fantasy that her three-year-old's ability to slam dunk on his personal trainer is somehow going to translate into a starting spot on the Lakers. No one's suggesting she stop celebrating sweet childhood moments like when her son received multiple offers for full-ride scholarships to play collegiate ball on his second birthday, but she should understand that the overwhelming majority of NCAA players never turn pro before she hypothesizes an entire basketball career off of the time the Duke coach called 10 times in a row begging her son to join their team on his first day of preschool.

Damn. It has to be tough being a parent when you have sky-high expectations for your kid. Here's hoping that Nina comes to her senses soon and realizes that while her son's sponsorship deal with Nike presents a glimmer of hope, the odds that he'll someday play in the NBA just aren't on his side.

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Get Real: This Woman Thinks Her 3-Year-Old Is Going To Grow Up To Play In The NBA Just Because He's Already 7 Feet Tall And Has A 70.1 True Shooting Percentage

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Every parent believes deep down that their kid is destined for special things, but one mom is taking it a little too far: This woman thinks her 3-year-old is going to grow up to play in the NBA just because he's already 7 feet tall and has a 70.1 true shooting percentage.

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The search for an escaped inmate, who allegedly kidnapped while on the run, and stole a police vehicle when officers attempted to recapture him.

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Authorities are searching for an escaped inmate who allegedly kidnapped a woman while on the loose and stole a police vehicle when officers attempted to recapture him.

Police arrested Travis Lee Davis, 30, at a parking lot in Oklahoma, nearly 350 miles away from where he escaped, on Wednesday after a woman reported that he kidnapped her, but he managed to slip away once again, authorities said.

Davis, who escaped from a jail in Pettis County, Missouri, Saturday night, was handcuffed behind his back and inside of a police cruiser, when he slipped into the driver's seat and sped off with the vehicle, according to the Heavener Police Department.

The officers were standing outside of the car and interviewing the alleged victim, who claimed Davis kidnapped her at gunpoint, when the suspect stole the vehicle and fled the scene, the Heavener Police Department said.

Davis drove the car about 2 miles away from the scene before crashing into a tree and taking off on foot, according to police. Officers said he may have hopped on a nearby train.

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Authorities said they set up a 10-square-mile perimeter that they are searching and had reached out to the railroad system for help.

Officers were searching on foot, with dogs, vehicles and circling the perimeter, but there were no signs of the suspect as of late Wednesday.

"It is possible that Davis escaped the area by trespassing on a freight train, however, people in the area should keep their doors locked and be watchful for strangers," the Heavener Police Department said in a statement Wednesday. "Anyone driving in the area should not pick up any hitch hiker and should definitely report them to the Leflore County Sheriffs Office."

Davis -- who is considered dangerous -- was being held on $110,000 bond for various charges, including kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child, domestic assault, resisting arrest and parole violation, according to court documents.

Missouri authorities believe Davis escaped from the jail at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday by climbing into the ceiling.

Google Maps

"Davis climbed up into the ceiling of G Pod, across the rafters, through a maintenance access hole in the concrete wall, into a maintenance access closet, which lead to an exterior exit on the S. Lamine side of the jail and fled on foot," the Pettis County Sheriff's Department said in a statement, citing interviews with inmates and surveillance footage.

Davis is described as a white male, who is 6 feet tall and weighs 150 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He has several tattoos, including an eye inside a triangle on the front of his neck and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and gray pants.

Police said anyone with information on the escape or the suspect's whereabouts should contact local law enforcement agency immediately.

ABC News' Rachel Katz contributed to this report.

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Handcuffed fugitive steals police car, allegedly kidnaps woman while on the run

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Authorities are searching for an escaped inmate who allegedly kidnapped a woman while on the loose and stole a police vehicle when officers attempted to recapture him. Police arrested Travis Lee Davis, 30, at a parking lot in Oklahoma, nearly 350 miles away from where he escaped, on Wednesday after a woman reported that he kidnapped her, but he managed to slip away once again, authorities said.

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A Massachusetts lawyer killed his wife, his 7 year old twins, 3 year old, and then himself.

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A Massachusetts lawyer was discovered to have killed his wife, three young children and himself in a murder-suicide when firefighters responded to a blaze at their Berkshire County home, authorities said Thursday.

Firefighters who extinguished the blaze Wednesday found two 41-year-old adults, identified as Luke Karpinski and his wife, Justine Wilbur, and their children, a set of 7-year-old twins and a 3-year-old, dead inside the home, Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington said at a news conference Thursday.
NEW JERSEY WIFE FOUND SLAIN IN HOME, HUSBAND JUMPED OFF BRIDGE IN APPARENT MURDER-SUICIDE
"We are investigating this matter as a murder-suicide. At this time, the evidence indicates that Luke Karpinski was the assailant," Harrington said.

Wilbur was found on the home's first floor, separated from her husband and children, who were discovered together on the second floor, Mass Live reported.
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The cause of death for each of the family members has not been released. The bodies were taken to Boston's Chief Medical Examiner's office for autopsies, the outlet reported.

Authorities have not released an explanation on the cause of the fire or details of the murder-suicide as the investigation is ongoing.

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Massachusetts lawyer killed wife, 3 kids and himself, authorities say; bodies found after fire in home

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A Massachusetts lawyer was discovered to have killed his wife, three young children and himself in a murder-suicide when firefighters responded to a blaze at their Berkshire County home, authorities said Thursday.

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New Zealand mosques kill 49 and injure many more. Thus far, three suspects are in custody. The shootings took place at two different mosques: Deans Avenue Mosque and Linwood Avenue Mosque. Authorities are also asking people not to share the graphic videos of taken by the shooters attacking the mosques as videos have been circulating.

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After 50 people were gunned down in terrorist attacks at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday, the prime minister is vowing to change gun laws.

At least one gunman carried out what is now the deadliest shooting in New Zealand history.

Forty-two others were injured, including two critically, in what became "one of New Zealand's darkest days," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

Ardern said Saturday, "While the nation grapples with a form of grief and anger that we have not experienced before, we are seeking answers."

She vowed that "while work is being done as to the chain of events that led to both the holding of this gun license and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now: Our gun laws will change."

A gunman appeared to have livestreamed video of the shooting on social media, according to New Zealand police. He documented his trip from his car and into the worship center in central Christchurch, where he opened fire indiscriminately, police said.

Officials said they were working to remove "extremely distressing footage" taken at the scene and urged social media users not to share it.

Meanwhile, Sky Network Television -- New Zealand's largest satellite television provider -- announced late Friday that it was removing Sky News Australia from its platform after the broadcaster apparently aired video of the attack.

"We stand in support of our fellow New Zealanders and have made the decision to remove Sky News Australia from our platform until we are confident that the distressing footage from yesterday's events will not be shared," Sky Network officials said in a tweet.
Three in custody
Three people are in custody, including one Australian citizen. Brenton Tarrant, 28, was charged with murder and appeared in court Saturday, officials said.

Authorities also said that the murder suspect will be facing more charges.

"While the man is currently facing only one charge, further charges will be laid," New Zealand police officials tweeted from the department's verified account.

"Details of those charges will be communicated at the earliest possible opportunity."

Five guns were used by the main suspect, including two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns, the prime minister said at a news conference Saturday. The suspect had a gun license, she added.

Police have not said if the same gunman shot at both mosques.

"None of those apprehended had a criminal history either here or in Australia," and none were on any watch lists, Ardern said.

Late Friday night, New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters that authorities are still "working through" the accounts of two additional people who were arrested as part of the investigation.

"As you know we apprehended four people ... one was released quite early, a member of the public who just wanted to get their kids home but decided to take a firearm," Bush said. "There was another couple arrested at a cordon and we are currently working through whether or not those persons had any involvement in that incident. So when we know, we'll be able to give you... but I don't want to say anything until we're sure."

Bush said that local authorities responded "immediately" to the reports of gunfire, and that within 36 minutes of the first shot being fired, the primary suspect was taken into custody.

"That person was not willing to be arrested, I think you've probably seen some of that live video, there was live audio coming back to my command center in Wellington, of that apprehension and I can tell you as I was listening to that -- that person was non-compliant," Bush said.

"We also believe that there were IEDs in that vehicle so it was a very dangerous maneuver," he said, referring to improvised explosive devices. "There were also firearms in that vehicle, so our staff, who were well-equipped, did engage with that person, and again put themselves in real danger to keep the community safe."

Bush vowed that local authorities "will be highly vigilant [and] highly present, to ensure that if there is anyone out here wanting to commit harm we can intervene."

Earlier, Bush said that the island nation is "dedicating all available resources to our response, not only in Christchurch but right across the country."

"This attack has been an enormous shock for all New Zealanders, and I am aware that there is a real sense of fear and concern for personal safety, particularly among our Muslim communities," Bush said in a statement.

He said that there is a heightened police presence nationwide, particularly at mosques and community events, and urged residents to immediately report anything suspicious to local authorities.
Hospital overwhelmed
Four of the 50 people killed in the massacre died on the way to the hospital, said Greg Robertson, chief of surgery at Christchurch Hospital.

"It's unusual for surgeons in this part of the world to deal with gunshot wounds," Robertson told reporters. "We've had experience overseas dealing with trauma. We also get experience in our own environment for a limited number of these events. But clearly we don't face the extreme load this incident put on us."

The surgeon went on to tell reporters on Friday night that 36 patients remained hospitalized at the Christchurch facility - 11 of them in the intensive care unit. He said the severity of injuries range from soft tissue injuries to head trauma. A 4-year-old girl wounded in the attack had to be transferred to another hospital in critical condition.
'Shattered innocence'
Witnesses said the attack occurred just before 1:40 p.m. local time as the Sheikh gave a sermon in Christchurch.

"He just came in and he was shooting ad hoc," Ramzan Ali told The Associated Press.

Ali said he survived by hiding beneath a bench.

"I haven't seen him because I just lied down under the bench, thinking that if I get out, I'll get shot," he said. "I'm just keeping my fingers crossed so I could be alive."

He added: "I was the last guy to come out of the mosque after the shooting stopped and on the doors there were a lot of bodies."

"It's something that we never expected to have happen here," Christchurch MP Gerry Brownlee told "Good Morning America." "We're a relatively small population, and while we are ethnically quite diverse, we live very peaceable lives. And this, as many have seen, has shattered our innocence."

Brownlee, who said he lives a short distance from one of the shooting sites, said, "Almost everyone will know someone or have a connection with the families of someone who has been either killed or seriously wounded today."

Of the 50 people killed, New Zealand police said 41 victims died at the Deans Avenue Mosque, seven at the Linwood Avenue Mosque and one at a hospital.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel believes the city was targeted because "we are a safe city and a safe country."

"He is not from here," Dalziel said Saturday of the attacker. "He came here. He came here with hate in his heart and intention to kill in his mind. So he did not develop his hatred here. He came here to perform this act of terrorism."

"His was the voice of hate, and the only way that communities can respond to the voice of hate is to come together and love, compassion and kindness," she said.
'Abhorrent' attacks
Queen Elizabeth in a statement said she's "deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch."

"Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. I also pay tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who are providing support to those who have been injured," she said. "At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders."

Friday afternoon President Trump said he spoke with New Zealand's prime minister about the "monstrous terrorist attacks."

"These sacred places of worship were turned into scenes of evil killing," Trump said. "It's a horrible, horrible thing. I told the prime minister the United States is with them all the way, 10 percent, whatever they need, we will be there."

The president went on to call New Zealand a great friend and asserted that "our relationship has never been better."

President Trump had also tweeted condolences Friday morning, at which point the death toll was still 49.

"My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured," he tweeted. "The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!"

U.S. Attorney General William Barr in a statement called the attack "a sobering reminder that the threat of political and religious violence is real and that we must remain vigilant against it."

"Violence on the basis of religion is evil," Barr said. "The Justice Department joins in mourning with the people of New Zealand."

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a statement, "While we are not aware of any current, credible or active threat domestically, nor of any current information regarding obvious ties between the perpetrators in New Zealand and anyone in the US -- the Department is cognizant of the potential concerns members of Muslim-American communities may have as they gather at today's congregational prayers."

"Attacks on peaceful people in their place of worship are abhorrent and will not be tolerated," Nielsen stressed. "The Department strongly stands with those of all faiths as they seek to worship in peace and we will continue to work with stakeholders to protect the ability of all to worship freely and without fear."
ABC News' Ben Gittleson, Jordyn Phelps, J. Gabriel Ware, Matt Foster, Will Gretsky and Darren Reynolds contributed to this report.

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After 50 killed in mass shootings at 2 New Zealand mosques, prime minister vows, 'our gun laws will change'

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After 50 people were gunned down in terrorist attacks at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday, the prime minister is vowing to change gun laws. At least one gunman carried out what is now the deadliest shooting in New Zealand history.

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49 people are dead after a gun man opened fire in a Mosque in New Zealand. 41 out of the 49 people killed, died in the hospital. The gunman was live streaming the whole attack on social media. There are 3 men in custody. The town is very small, so someone said that almost everyone will have a connection to a person who died.

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At least 49 people were killed and dozens more injured in a mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday when a gunman opened fire inside two mosques.

Interested in New Zealand?

Add New Zealand as an interest to stay up to date on the latest New Zealand news, video, and analysis from ABC News.

The shootings were categorized as a terrorist attack.

"It's something that we never expected to have happen here," Christchurch MP Gerry Brownlee told "Good Morning America." "We're a relatively small population, and while we are ethnically quite diverse, we live very peaceable lives. And this, as many have seen, has shattered our innocence."

Brownlee, who said he lives a short distance from one of the shooting sites, said, "Almost everyone will know someone or have a connection with the families of someone who has been either killed or seriously wounded today."

"This is one of New Zealand's darkest days," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a press conference Friday.

The gunman, who was dressed in tactical gear, appeared to livestream video of the shooting on social media, according to New Zealand police. He documented his trip from his car and into the worship center in central Christchurch, where he opened fire indiscriminately, police said.

Officials said they were working to remove "extremely distressing footage" taken at the scene and urged social media users not to share it.

Three people are in custody, including one Australian citizen. One man was charged with murder and is expected to appear in court Saturday, police said.

The shooter also opened fire in the surrounding area outside of the mosques. Police said they recovered two improvised explosive devices attached to vehicles in the area, but they were rendered safe.

Witnesses said the attack occurred just before 1:40 p.m. local time as the Sheikh gave a sermon in Christchurch, which has a population of about 375,000.

"The gun starts shooting and he just came in and he was shooting ad hoc," Ramzan Ali told The Associated Press.

Arden made reference to the nationalities of the victims, saying, "Many of those directly involved might be immigrants, refugees who chose to be here. They are us. The person who has done this, is not."

Ali said he survived by hiding beneath a bench.

"I haven't seen him because I just lied down under the bench, thinking that if I get out, I'll get shot," he said. "I'm just keeping my fingers crossed so I could be alive."

He added: "I was the last guy to come out of the mosque after the shooting stopped and on the doors there were a lot of bodies."

Len Peneh, who lives next door to one of the mosques, told the AP that he "saw dead people everywhere" when he went inside to help.

"I've lived next door to this mosque for about five years and the people are great, they're very friendly," he said. "I just don't understand it."

Brownlee commended police for acting quickly and said the most important thing right now is to support those with connections to victims.

Of the 49 people killed, New Zealand police said 41 victims died at the Deans Avenue Mosque, seven at the Linwood Avenue Mosque and one at a hospital.

"New Zealand is a place where people have felt very secure and very free," he added, "and this certainly has shaken that belief up today, and we've got to make sure we don't end up with a permanent loss of the freedom that we so value."

Ardern said none of the suspects were on any active terrorist watch lists and it was "not a matter of someone slipping under the radar."

Morrison said the shootings were carried out by an "extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist, that has taken the lives -- stolen the lives -- in a vicious, murderous attack that has claimed so many New Zealanders."

Queen Elizabeth in a statement said she's "deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch."

"Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. I also pay tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who are providing support to those who have been injured," she said. "At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders."

President Donald Trump tweeted Friday, "My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!"

My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders also issued a statement condemning the attacks.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," the statement said. "We stand in solidarity with the people of New Zealand and their government against this vicious act of hate."

ABC News' Matt Foster, Will Gretsky and Darren Reynolds contributed to this report.

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49 killed in mass shootings at mosques in New Zealand

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At least 49 people were killed and dozens more injured in a mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday when a gunman opened fire inside two mosques. Add New Zealand as an interest to stay up to date on the latest New Zealand news, video, and analysis from ABC News.

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In New Zealand this morning 49 people were killed and many more were injured at a mosque. The 3 suspects were white supremacist who live streamed his attack on his social medias. Police are now working to take copies of the video off the internet because of the violence.

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49 killed and dozens, including young children, injured in New Zealand mass shootings targeting mosques

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Three people are in custody -- one of whom was charged with murder -- after at least one heavily-armed shooter mowed down Muslim worshippers at Friday prayer, massacring 49 people in two New Zealand mosques while broadcasting a horrific live stream of the terror attack.

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Prime Minister Theresa May’s deputy warned lawmakers on Friday that unless they approved her Brexit divorce deal after two crushing defeats, Britain’s exit from the European Union could face a long delay of up to 3 months.

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Britain's Parliament Votes to Delay Brexit, but Not to Control It

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LONDON - British lawmakers on Thursday voted to postpone the country's departure from the European Union but, in a rare victory for Prime Minister Theresa May, narrowly failed to wrest control of the Brexit process from her battered government. After days of turmoil, Mrs.

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Dan Asher is a very sad man with a life lacking enjoyment or excitement. Unsurprisingly, this changed when he ordered a new blender, the Vitamix 780 blender, online. Now he can make smoothies and live life to the fullest, but most importantly getting that vitamin C.

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Brace yourself, because this story about Dan Asher from Milwaukee, WI is going to be the saddest thing you hear all day: Dan got a new blender and it literally changed his life.

Good God. You hate to see this sort of thing.

After seeing a commercial for the Vitamix 780 blender, Dan decided to pick up one of his own, which, depressingly, has marked a major turning point in the 31-year-old data entry clerk's dull and inane life. Weeks after ordering the product online, Dan still considers using his new blender to be the highlight of his entire day, since there's apparently nothing else going on with him that could otherwise occupy his attention.

It is with heavy hearts that we report Dan's newfound ability to easily make smoothies is one of the most exciting things that's ever happened to him.

This is awful. We wish there were some good news to give, but the tragic reality of the situation is that Dan has the kind of life that can be changed by a kitchen appliance. Here's hoping that Dan dies soon, because if his existence is so empty and bleak that a blender can become his main passion, he probably doesn't have very much to live for. It's absolutely heartbreaking.

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Incredibly Sad: This Guy Got A New Blender And It Literally Changed His Life

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Brace yourself, because this story about Dan Asher from Milwaukee, WI is going to be the saddest thing you hear all day: Dan got a new blender and it literally changed his life. Good God. You hate to see this sort of thing.

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"This is one of New Zealand's darkest days," PM Jacinda Ardern said. "What has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence." 49 people are dead when a gunman opened fire into two mosques in New Zealand on friday.

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New Zealand police said that all Christchurch schools were in lockdown because of "a serious ongoing firearms incident" that media reports suggested was near a mosque.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush said in a statement that "a serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter." Police did not say where the shooting occurred.

Bush also recommended that residents across the city remain off the streets and indoors.

"Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high," Bush said in the statement.

New Zealand police said on Twitter that armed police have been deployed.

In response to a serious ongoing firearms incident in Christchurch all Christchurch schools have been placed into lockdown. Police urge anyone in central Christchurch to stay off the streets and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111.
- New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019

Witness Len Peneha said he saw a man dressed in black enter the Masjid Al Noor mosque and then heard dozens of shots, followed by people running from the mosque in terror, the Associated Press reported.

He said he also saw a gunman flee before emergency services arrived. Peneha said he went into the mosque to try and help: "I saw dead people everywhere," he told the Associated Press.

Police said in a statement that officers responded to reports of shots fired in central Christchurch around 1:40 p.m. Friday local time (8:40 p.m. Thursday ET).

Media reported that shots had been fired near a mosque, and a witness told broadcaster One News that he had seen three people on the ground, bleeding outside the building, Reuters reported.

Horrified to hear of Christchurch mosque shootings. There is never a justification for that sort of hatred
- Amy Adams (@amyadamsMP) March 15, 2019

"Horrified to hear of Christchurch mosque shootings. There is never a justification for that sort of hatred," Amy Adams, a member of parliament from Christchurch, tweeted.

Christchurch City Council said in a statement that all council buildings were in complete lockdown, with no one allowed in or out.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel in a local radio interview urged people to "please stay away from the central city until further notice."

She said she did not have details about the apparent shooting, but said "I never would have expected anything like this to happen in the city of Christchurch" or in New Zealand.

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New Zealand police respond to 'active shooter' situation in Christchurch

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New Zealand police said that all Christchurch schools were in lockdown because of "a serious ongoing firearms incident" that media reports suggested was near a mosque. Police Commissioner Mike Bush said in a statement that "a serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter."

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In New Zealand, 49 people are dead after a man started shooting at a Mosque on Friday night. The act was committed by a 28 year old Australian native,

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49 killed and dozens, including young children, injured in New Zealand mass shootings targeting mosques

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Three people are in custody -- one of whom was charged with murder -- after at least one heavily-armed shooter mowed down Muslim worshippers at Friday prayer, massacring 49 people in two New Zealand mosques while broadcasting a horrific live stream of the terror attack.

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If you are a feminist, this is an epic win. Mario has came out, clearly supporting feminism with his new catchphrase. "Its a she, Susan B. Anthony" Now some of the epic gamer's don't think mario would say this statement, but he did and is openly acalc feminist.

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If you're a feminist and a Nintendo fan, get ready to stand up and cheer, because one amazing drawing just struck a powerful blow for gender equality: This incredible artist drew Mario, but in a huge feminist win reimagined his catchphrase "It's-a me, Mario!" so he instead says "It's-a she, Susan B. Anthony!"

Beautiful! It's awesome to see a video game character as iconic as Mario take a break from announcing his own presence to instead announce the presence of a pivotal suffragette.

Even though Susan B. Anthony is not actually arriving and is nowhere to be found in the Mushroom Kingdom, it's still completely inspiring to imagine Mario shouting "It's-a she, Susan B. Anthony!" as he jumps over pipes and squashes goombas. Thanks to this drawing, the gaming industry-and the entire world-just became a better, and more feminist place.

Some upset fan boys might think Mario should only say "Mario" after he says "It's-a, me," but Susan B. Anthony is just as deserving as Mario to have her name shouted by Mario. Susan B. Anthony campaigned for women's voting rights, and she did it without any help from growth-inducing mushrooms or invincibility stars, so if anything, she's even more of a hero than Mario is.

Nintendo could take a page from the wonderful example set by this drawing. Let's hope the company does the right thing and makes Mario shout "It's-a she, Susan B. Anthony!" in all future games!

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Feminism Win! This Artist Reimagined Mario As Saying 'It's-a She, Susan B. Anthony!'

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If you're a feminist and a Nintendo fan, get ready to stand up and cheer, because one amazing drawing just struck a powerful blow for gender equality: This incredible artist drew Mario, but in a huge feminist win reimagined his catchphrase "It's-a me, Mario!" so he instead says "It's-a she, Susan B.