Christchurch Massacre Piece

Students Sophie McCready & Louise Seastres —

Written by students Sophie McCready, and edited by Louise Seastres.

The 15th of March 2019 will remain as a terrifying event in New Zealand's history, being the biggest mass shooting to happen in the country. As of now, 51 people have been confirmed dead with more than 40 injured.

The victims ages range from 3 years of age to people older than 60. Two mosques, 7 minutes away from each other, were targeted.

What we know so far, is that this was a planned attack; a planned attack against the Muslim community of Christchurch. It was one of hatred, racism and Islamophobia.  Jacinda Ardern addressed the attack on the community, in a press conference hours after it took place. Her words made it clear to the world that in this time of heartbreak, New Zealand is united.

“Speak the names of those who were lost rather than the man who took them. He may seek notoriety, but we in New Zealand will give him nothing, not even his name.” - Jacinda Ardern said on March 19th.

Among the victims, Mucad Ibrahim,3 , was with his father and brother when a man walked into their central Christchurch mosque and opened fire. He is only one of 51 New Zealanders that were confirmed dead.

The shooter, who was a 28 year old Australian, live-streamed the shooting to Facebook, through a camera strapped to his body. It is reported that within 24 hours of the massacre, 4000 people viewed the video, and police have had to remove more than 1 million versions of it. It is now illegal to spread the video or have it in your possession.

On the 22nd of March, exactly a week after the shootings took place, a nation wide silence was held in respect for the families harmed, and the innocent people who have passed away. In the news that week, many female presenters wore headdresses in empathy for the Muslim community.

Compared to many shootings that have occurred in history, the death and injured count of this incident is simply staggering.

In fact, there has been a case quite similar to this and it took place in April, 1996, Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia. Martin Bryant opened fire on multiple people, effectively killing 35 and injuring 23. His trial began on the 7th of November 1996. His final sentencing was 35 life sentences, plus 1,035 years, all without the possibility of parole. He is currently serving this sentence and has been since 2006.

No person in New Zealand has received a life sentence without parole. The longest minimum period of imprisonment on a life sentence is 30 years (currently being served by William Dwane Bell). There has been a lot of speculation on whether the Christchurch shooter will receive a similar sentence to Martin Bryant’s or something lighter like William Bell’s.

It is hoped that the families affected will get the justice they deserve. So far, 10 million dollars has been raised and donated by Givealittle and a LaunchGood page; who have collectively raised over 10 million.

As a school, we have tried to support the victims by raising money via a Mufti day and a bake sale on the 22nd of March. Schools nationwide have given up 2 minutes of silence for them.

We would like to thank those who have donated.