Rugby star fights back tears over N. Zealand attacks

By Fatih Erel

ISTANBUL (AA) - A visibly shocked Sonny Bill Williams sent his prayers to the victims of the twin armed attacks on mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, fighting back tears in a video on Friday.

"Just heard the news. I could not put it into words how I am feeling right now. l am just sending my duas (prayers) to their families... InshAllah (God willing) everyone who has been killed today... InshAllah, you guys are all in paradise," said Williams, who is also a Muslim.

"I am just deeply, deeply saddened that this would happen in New Zealand," he said.

At least 49 people were confirmed killed in twin terror attacks targeting mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, according to media reports.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters that her country is treating the shootings as a "terrorist incident".

“There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence, which it is clear this act was," Ardern said. "It is clear this is one of New Zealand's darkest days."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters that one suspect of the deadly twin shootings is an Australian citizen.

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said that three men and a woman were arrested following the shooting.