Man accused of murder in NZ shootings also charged with terrorist act

Published: May 21, 2019 11:40:42 | Updated: May 22, 2019 10:40:12

Brenton Tarrant, charged for murder in relation to the mosque attacks, is seen in the dock during his appearance in the Christchurch District Court, New Zealand March on 16, 2019 — Reuters/Files

New Zealand police said on Tuesday they were charging the man accused of murder in shootings at two Christchurch mosques in March with engaging in a terrorist act.

The charge, which came under the country’s terrorism suppression legislation, was filed against Brenton Tarrant, Reuters reported citing a police statement.

The man, a suspected white supremacist, faces 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder. He is next due to appear in court in June.