Suspect in New Zealand Mosque Attacks Appears in Court

Brenton Tarrant, the suspect accused in the New Zealand mosque massacres, appeared in court Saturday, and he was charged with one count of murder.

A judge said more charges would likely be added.

Tarrant did not enter a plea but made a hand gesture associated with white supremacists, according to CNN.

He was remanded into custody. His next court appearance will be on April 5.

The courtroom was closed to the public. A judge also ruled that pictures of the suspect in court be blurred.

The 28-year-old is accused of killing 49 people at two mosques in Christ Church, New Zealand. He reportedly published a racist manifesto online before carrying out the attacks.

Police originally had arrested three people in relation to the shootings.

The two others remain in custody. Their exact roles in the attacks remain unclear.

A fourth person was also detained for a time, but authorities later found out they were an armed bystander who wanted to help police.

As a direct response to the shooting, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has stated the country’s gun laws will be changed, but she did not elaborate on specifics.

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