Christchurch mosques’ attacker charged with engaging in a terrorist act

Australian man accused of opening fire on worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch has been charged by the New Zealand police with «engaging in a terrorist act», the Guardian reported Tuesday. The terrorism-related charges will be added to existing ones.

Before deciding on the new charges, New Zealand police met with the survivors of the 15 March attack and the families of the victims to let them know about their potential decision.

«A charge of engaging in a Terrorist Act under section 6A of the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002 has now been filed against Brenton Tarrant», the New Zealand police said in a statement. «The charge will allege that a terrorist act was carried out in Christchurch on 15 March 2019 and follows consultation between Police, Crown Law and the Christchurch Crown Solicitors Office», police added.

The Australian man will be facing now 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder and one terrorism-related charge, the British daily explained.

For the record, 51 people were killed on March 15 in Christchurch in a one of New Zealand’s ugliest attacks. The latter was considered as an act of terrorism by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.