US condemns New Zealand mosque attacks

'The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do,' says Trump

By Umar Farooq

WASHINGTON (AA) - The United States offered sympathy Friday to the people of New Zealand, condemning terrorist attacks at two mosques that left at least 49 people dead.

Gunmen opened fire on worshippers during Friday prayers at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, with one of the shooters livestreaming the incident on social media. The footage has since been removed from social media platforms.

Four suspects –three men and one woman -- have been detained so far.

"My warmest sympathy and best wishes go 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!" U.S. President Donald Trump said on Twitter.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington condemns the attack and that the American people's thoughts and prayers are with New Zealand.

"We pledge our unwavering solidarity with the government and people of New Zealand in this hour of darkness," Pompeo said at a news briefing Friday.

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