International media reports say the staggering death toll from the mass shootings at two Christchurch mosques has climbed to 50.
The body of the 50th victim was discovered at the Al Noor mosque, where most victims were killed, when officials were removing the victims' bodies on Saturday, New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said, told reporters on Sunday.
The number of wounded reportedly also increased to 50. Of those, 34 remain hospitalized in the Christchurch Hospital and 12 are in critical condition.
Two days after the shootings, Brenton Harris Tarrant, 28, appears to be the only person in custody that has been linked to the attack.
Three other people who were initially detained were not involved in the attacks, but authorities are not ruling out the possibility of other suspects.
The suspect reportedly sent an 87-page manifesto to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern minutes before the attack began.
Ardern's chief press secretary, Andrew Campbell, told CNN that the email was sent to a “generic” email account maintained by staff, and was not seen by the Prime Minister.
The document, also posted on social media before the shooting, was filled with anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim screeds. Authorities have declined to discuss potential motives for the attack.
Tarrant, who is facing one murder charge, made a hand gesture associated with white supremacists when he appeared in court Saturday.
He was remanded in custody and will reappear in court April 5.
Meanwhile Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on March 15 extended his condolences to the Prime
The message, in particular, reads, “It is with great sadness and abomination that I received the news of the terrorist attack at the mosques of the city of Christchurch in New Zealand, which caused the death of 49 people and injured dozens of citizens. This tragic incident once again reveals the true essence of terrorism, which has no relation to any religion, nation or nationality and decisively dictates the need to continue the collective struggle against this global threat.”
Tajik leader also asked to convey his deepest condolences to the friendly people of New Zealand, the families and friends of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
