Updates from latest Jacinda Ardern conference:
- 50 killed, 34 remain in Christchurch hospital, 12 in critical condition, a 4 year old girl remains in critical condition in Starship hospital
- Bodies of deceased are starting to be returned to families
- Informal list of missing persons has been released, reiterates this is an informal list and does not confirm whether a deceased person has been formally identified
- All bodies anticipated to be returned to families by Wednesday
- Primary suspect is remanded in custody until April 5, he is likely to face further charges
- No indication that the other two arrested on Friday were connected with the attacks
- One other person has been taken into custody as part of the invistigation, no indication that they are connected to the attacks at this stage
- Increased police presence in Christchurch will continue (currently 120 additional staff)
- Mosques will have police presence as the investigation continues
- Ministry of Health providing support to school students in Christchurch with staff being brought in, as well as around the country
- National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington is coordinating organisation of support for victims and families
- ACC increased staff presence in Christchurch for immediate welfare concerns, with eligibility for funeral grants and one-off support payments to family members (eg childcare), income compenstation
- Ministry of Social Development helping with immediate needs eg. food payments and ongoing needs eg. benefit support
- Cabinet meets tomorrow to have preliminary discussions around gun and security policy
- MPs to pay tribute on Tuesday in Parliament
- Official national commemoration services being organised, condolence books available at Parliament and National Library
Questions
- Charges and trial of the primary suspect will take place in New Zealand
- Cannot say whether charges will be laid under the Terrorism Suppression Act
- Over 30 recipients received the suspect's manifesto 9 minutes before the attack, it did not provide any actionable details. Jacinda herself received the manifesto, but not directly - it went immediately to Parliamentary Security
- Reiterates that there will be changes to gun laws
- Primary suspect was in custody within 36 minutes of 111 emergency calls being made
- Turkish government has expressed interest in sending a delegation to commemorate the event
- Highlights the issue of social media platforms to spread extremism
- When asked about the comments of Australian Senator Fraser Anning, she says "They were a disgrace. Any other questions?"
Hats off to Jacinda, she has the patient of a saint after having to answer some of the dumbest questions I've ever heard from the media. Who gives a fuck whether Mark Zuckerberg has sent his condolences or not!?