President Janos Áder has expressed his condolences to Governor-General Patsy Reddy of New Zealand over the terrorist attacks committed in Christchurch on Friday. In the message, Áder said he was deeply shocked to learn about the attacks that claimed many lives. On behalf of the Hungarian people, the president expressed condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wished quick recovery to those injured.
At least 49 people were shot dead and 20 seriously wounded at two mosques of the city during the afternoon prayers. Four suspected perpetrators have been taken into custody.
Hungary’s counter-terrorism force TEK said it works together with partner organisations in investigations concerning the mosque shootings. Bulgarian authorities said earlier that they had launched an investigation against a suspect, Brenton Tarrant, an Australian citizen, who had visited Hungary and Romania before.